Swim Because You Love It

Photo Courtesy: Tess Becket

By Tess Becket, 14-year-old writer and swimmer at NBAC

Stepping into February 2010, I was 8 years old, standing behind lane one of a dimly lit, five lane pool. This race, the 100-yard butterfly, was my final chance to qualify for the Maryland State Championships. For an 8-year-old swimmer, this would be a massive achievement. Breathing in the stench of chlorine, I heard the whistle and hopped on the blocks. I wore the biggest, craziest pink goggles and tightened them as I gazed at 14-year-olds in lanes beside me. Even though they were feet taller than me, I wasn’t intimidated. I knew I would swim well.

After the race (which was a fantastic one), I took off my goggles, and saw I was now the fastest 8-year-old in the country. I broke my team’s all-time record and qualified for the state championships by seconds. I smiled. My typically harsh coach, Tom, hugged me and said I had a remarkable race. He told me I could be a national age group record holder, possibly an Olympian. I smiled again. On my way to the locker room, I sang “Tim McGraw” by Taylor Swift. “I hope you think of that little black dress,” I hummed as I dried off my little black swimsuit.

Photo Courtesy: Tess Becket

Fast-forward six years, I’m still swimming. So far, I haven’t broken a national age group record, or made it to the Olympics. Eight-year-old me would probably be disappointed that I haven’t “won the Olympic gold” like I wrote on childhood goal sheets. But, 14-year-old me isn’t. Over the past few years, as I descended from my peak as a “12-and-under-wonder,” I swam through many lows. There were periods when I wanted to quit, but I stuck with it. And I’m certainly glad I did. Through my disappointment, though it took time, I realized an incredibly valuable lesson:

If I am going to swim, I should love doing it. I should love working hard and working to improve, even if I’m not winning races. It’s foolish to put so much time into a sport if I don’t love it.

After realizing that I didn’t need to be fast or successful to enjoy swimming, I found my affection for the sport again. I was suddenly cheerful and positive about swimming, not just winning. And with this optimism, I encountered numerous swimmers who were unhappy. They dreaded practices, worried about races and generally wished they didn’t swim. When asked why they don’t simply quit, I received the same responses, “Because I’m good at it,” or, “I want to go to the Olympics,” every time.

Photo Courtesy: Tess Becket

Well, I want you to ask yourself, “Why am I swimming?”

Is it to win a gold medal? Is it to earn a scholarship? Is it to be on the national team? Is it to break a world record? It shouldn’t be. While you should strive for these goals, if you do win that gold medal, it’s not going to mean much if you don’t love the sport. It will mean a lot if you do. Make sure you aren’t going to regret the time spent swimming if you don’t achieve a world record. You should be swimming because it brings you joy.

Now, even though I’m not an Olympic gold medalist, I spend two and a half hours, seven days a week, working my tail off. I smile every day at that black line on the bottom of the pool. I smile wider than I did when I was the fastest 8-year-old in the country. Being ordinary, and loving the sport, makes me happier than being outstanding when I didn’t.

I love swimming. And you should, too.

About the Author

Tess Becket is a 14-year-old swimmer for the North Baltimore Aquatic Club. She really does love her team, teammates, coaches, and the sport.

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8 years ago

❤️

Alexis Murray

8 years ago

Thanks for sharing your essay, Tess. You have a great perspective & I think you have a future as a writer! :). Good luck with your swimming.

Marinda Stuiver

8 years ago

Tess, great article and many young swimmers most likely support and agree with you. I have been swimming since 1979 which makes it 37 years since I started this year. I am paying the love for water and swimming forward to our eight-year-old daughter and in our household Olympics is something we enjoy as a family on television – the same with FINA world championships. The goals we set, are achievable goals for an eight-year-old – not goals of a 16-23-year-old swimmer. Yes, Monica does well for her age group too and also compete, like yourself, against the 11 to 14-year-old swimmers. This year she landed the female Victrix Ludorum trophy for the girls 13 & under. The most important for myself, her swim mom and Dad who is also her coach, is that she enjoys her swimming and goes to the pool with a positive attitude daily. The rest is like a secret which will be revealed when the time is ready. You inspire others and well done on such a great attitude!!

Mica Botha

8 years ago

Thanks for sharing this story, I really enjoyed reading it. I am also 8 years old right now and doing well, so I relate to it. Our family likes watching swimming on television – Olympics and FINA world champs. It is not something we discuss at this stage – I am too young. Mom and dad both have been swimmers. My dad is now my coach. Mom is my training partner. The club I belong too is too far from where we stay to train with the other swimmers. I write my own goals every season. We are all happy if I just achieve my own goals. Even on hard days, I still love and like my swimming. Keep on swimming!!

Robyne Chabant

8 years ago

I do!! I’m 57 years old… and will never stop swimming!!

Connie Yohe

8 years ago

Tess, I remember when you were that 8-year old record holder in Church with your brothers and at meets I was timing. I am so proud to see what an accomplished young lady you are. My daughter, Tara, had those Olympic dreams when she was a little girl too. She swam at NBAC through high school and had a wonderful college swimming career as well. It made her a strong woman who has persistence and moxie. I am sure that those years of striving to meet her goals in swimming, sometimes failing then picking herself up and eventually succeeding, is what made her successful in her career outside the pool. Her love of swimming and it’s importance in her daily life is such a big part of who she has become. Keep on swimming and keep on striving for your best. We are all behind you cheering you on!

Laura Travis

8 years ago

Wow, so well written. You have captured the true meaning of what sport is all about! Keep up the great work in the classroom, in life, and in the pool

8 years ago

Awesome article Tess! Very well put.

Maggie Belbot

8 years ago

Truly inspiring Tess. Thank you for sharing