Become an Olympic Swimmer
Talent, tenacity, hours looking down at a black line. This is a tough sport with little recognition. The mind must overcome the body and push through the wall. And don't think the swimmer can do it alone. Support is a key factor.
Steps
- Whenever in doubt, after all the multiple sports your child has participated in, there is an intuitive feeling, regardless of what I am talking about. Being intuitive along with perseverance and advice from coaches about something you know nothing about, I'd say "take the advice, and watch". If in doubt, sign up for a local swim team, and sit for hours for a 30 second race. If they win just jumping off the side of the pool, while all the others are diving off blocks, and they still win, I would start paying more attention
- A lot of young children will show immense talent by age 8 to 10. Do not be fooled. This is not an indication that they have what it takes to summit. By age 10 or 11, even if there is innate talent, there will be resistance. It is a relentless sport, and much of your young years are but a vapor. Your life is dedicated to the pool. By age 12, if they have won national age group times, and even the US Open....you've got something, and someone that requires most of your time. You just lost your life, but pushing on and explaining that there are up's and down's are coming. Have faith..I did. A lot of laughter, victories, and tears.
- By the time your child is around 13-14, they will have had their name in the newspaper, highly decorated as a "kid" compared to the established swimmers who hold many titles. This can be somewhat intimidating to the child. It intimidated me. What is the answer? Belief! Knowing that talent and commitment abound. However the most important factor at this point, is grooming the child to think beyond. It's not about the next swim meet, who will be there, how they may lose, no, it is about planting the seed about what it means to get to the top. And it is and can get lonely there, for not many make it. I equate it to Mt. Everest. There are pit stops, at certain levels, you must think and gain a mind set of getting there, and believe in it. Parents must drive this home and be on the same page as the coach
Tips
- My one and only tip, as I do have a daughter that won 2 world championship medals in Barcelona 2003, and a Gold medal in Athens Greece 2004. Reinforce the child, if it's a bad swim, leave it behind….Only look forward to the next one, because that is only as good as you are. And always be there.
