The Week That Was: An Honest Sport? or 7 sins?

The Week That Was, Sponsored by Suitmate

The Week That Was #1: The 7 Sins of Swimming

Photo Courtesy: Brian Jenkins-UVM Athletics

There is no such thing as a perfect swimmer. As swimmers, we sometimes (although rarely) make mistakes. We may DQ, forget our heat and lane, or even accidentally-on-purpose rip our cap at the exact moment a hard set is about to begin.

Mistakes are inevitable and they happen to the best of us. However, there are seven so-called “mistakes” that should never be made, no matter the circumstances. These mistakes can only be referred to as the Seven Sins of Swimming. Read More…

The Week That Was #2: The Evolution of Women’s Swimming: From Then to Now

Photo Courtesy: Library of Congress

By McKenna Ehrmantraut

Women have fought for equal rights throughout history, but the first major spark of women’s suffrage in America began during the 1920s. Women’s suffrage is often focused on women’s right to vote, but a lesser known fact is that while women pushed for voting rights, they also fought for equality in physical activities such as swimming. They believed that by showing their athletic side and fighting for more equal clothing options, they would further help the fight for equality. Read More…

The Week That Was #3: Advice for the High School Swimmer Considering College

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Photo Courtesy: Christa Weaver

By Maddie Strasen

Senior year of high school is one of the most stressful years for swimmers. Some decide to throw in the towel after their final high school year and call it a career—a very respectable decision. Many find that it’s time to lead a “normal” life outside the sport, to focus on their education or work. On the other hand, some decide to look into an athletic career in college. Whether you’ve made that call, decided on a school or have no idea what the future holds, the unknown can be overwhelming. To the high school swimmer who’s stressed out, here’s a little advice from someone who was in your shoes not too long ago. Read More…

The Week That Was #4: An Honest Sport: 15 Truths About Swimming

Photo Courtesy: Brian Jenkins-UVM Athetics

By Chandler Brandes

Swimming is a sport like no other. You learn a lot about yourself throughout your years as a swimmer and the sport inherently instills valuable life lessons in you. Even when your time as a competitive swimmer is done, you still continue to learn more about the sport and have time to reflect.

Here are 15 very real and very honest truths about swimming: Read More…

The Week That Was #5: On This Date: Celebrating the Olympic Trifecta of Debbie Meyer At the 1968 Mexico City Games

Photo Courtesy: Swimming World

By John Lohn – Editor-In-Chief

On this date, October 24, at the 1968 Olympic Games, Debbie Meyer completed her freestyle triple in Mexico City. It was a great that went unmatched until the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro, when Katie Ledecky pulled off the feat.

A study of the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City typically produces three standout moments. There was the effect of altitude, which at more than 7,000 feet contributed to breathing and endurance issues for the athlete. There was the political statement made by Tommie Smith and John Carlos during the medal ceremony for the 200-meter dash, the track athletes raising black-gloved fists to raise awareness of human rights, particularly those of the black race. There was the flight of Bob Beamon, whose long jump of more than 29 feet broke the world record by nearly two feet and endured as the global standard for more than two decades. Read More…

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