I'm sure you guys can help... I am a masters swimmer. Our son is 17, has been a club swimmer for four years, and swims on his high school team. He swims with the senior 1 group, and his practices are 2 hours 45 minutes on the weekdays and two hours on Saturdays. He is a decent, solid swimmer (state but not sectional cuts in numerous events). He is a junior in high school and is currently taking five AP courses (his decision, not my husband's and mine). His grades are good and he works hard.
Recently, he has been feeling a lot of stress due to his workload in school and swimming. He told me last night that swimming isn't fun any more. He says he thinks he still wants to swim club, possibly at the senior 2 level instead, and still wants to swim high school. He actually isn't sure he even wants to drop to a less demanding group; he isn't really sure what to do. While I think his academic load is part of why he is stressed, I know that constantly staring at a black line for hours is playing a large part as well. Aside from being supportive of him and encouraging him to talk to his coach (who is my coach as well, which could possibly complicate things), is there anything I can do to help? I don't want to be one of "those" parents, but I want to do what is best for my son. Obviously I would like him to stay in the senior 1 group, but I'm not the one swimming there. His coach knows him well, as he has been with this coach for four years. Part of the issue is that our son doesn't want to let his coach down. I know it is his call, and I'm trying to stay as objective as possible.
I'm sure many of you experienced swim burnout as a teenager. Any suggestions you can give are much appreciated.
Kristin
Parents
Former Member
My twin daughters just started swimming on a competitive team at 13. They are only swimming 3 times a week until they tell us they want to do more (it may never happen).
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In today's more competitive swim environment did we do them more harm then good? Will they get discouraged because they can't compete with the kids that have been swimming longer? Will they never catch-up?
I used to coach at this level as well. It's been a whilst so I do not remember exactly how many times per week they were committed to. But what I do remember though, is that these kids were absolutely great. Very brilliant.
Not sure about US swim classification, but here in Canada, there's plenty of room for all levels. They're not stupid. They know that having begun at late age, and only swimming a few times per week, they can't compare to the elite guys. And as long as no one tries to brain wash them, they wont.
At 13, social is extremely important. Belonging to a group. Having fun with friends. Overcoming obstacles. Improving.
Improving is fun you know. And at that age, they do improve consistently.
Although I don't remember everything, I do remember a few faces and names. Two names, two completely different outcomes. There was this 13yo girl, slightly overweight. Marie-Helene. She used to apply the Law in our squad. Whenever she'd see something unfair, she would complain. I used to tell her, someday, you'll probably be a lawyer. Well guess what, I meet her (pure coincidence) in the metro last year. Now age 26 I believe. She's a lawyer now. She must has spent 20min reminding me of all the good memories about that good old time. And she was still friend with other female swimmers of this same group.
Another one. Alex (female). She was 10 or 11 at the time. Well, she had a successful career as a semi-pro long distance swimmer racing the FINA OW World Cup. I can't think of one single occurrence in which swimming had cause more harm than good for these brilliant little kids.
My twin daughters just started swimming on a competitive team at 13. They are only swimming 3 times a week until they tell us they want to do more (it may never happen).
...
In today's more competitive swim environment did we do them more harm then good? Will they get discouraged because they can't compete with the kids that have been swimming longer? Will they never catch-up?
I used to coach at this level as well. It's been a whilst so I do not remember exactly how many times per week they were committed to. But what I do remember though, is that these kids were absolutely great. Very brilliant.
Not sure about US swim classification, but here in Canada, there's plenty of room for all levels. They're not stupid. They know that having begun at late age, and only swimming a few times per week, they can't compare to the elite guys. And as long as no one tries to brain wash them, they wont.
At 13, social is extremely important. Belonging to a group. Having fun with friends. Overcoming obstacles. Improving.
Improving is fun you know. And at that age, they do improve consistently.
Although I don't remember everything, I do remember a few faces and names. Two names, two completely different outcomes. There was this 13yo girl, slightly overweight. Marie-Helene. She used to apply the Law in our squad. Whenever she'd see something unfair, she would complain. I used to tell her, someday, you'll probably be a lawyer. Well guess what, I meet her (pure coincidence) in the metro last year. Now age 26 I believe. She's a lawyer now. She must has spent 20min reminding me of all the good memories about that good old time. And she was still friend with other female swimmers of this same group.
Another one. Alex (female). She was 10 or 11 at the time. Well, she had a successful career as a semi-pro long distance swimmer racing the FINA OW World Cup. I can't think of one single occurrence in which swimming had cause more harm than good for these brilliant little kids.
