5 Quotes From Swim Greats to Keep You Motivated and Positive

Federica Pellegrini of Italy celebrates after winning in the women’s 200m Freestyle Final during the Swimming events at the Gwangju 2019 FINA World Championships, Gwangju, South Korea, 24 July 2019.

5 Quotes From Swim Greats to Keep You Motivated and Positive

Sometimes, it only takes a few words to find motivation or turn a down moment around. Here are some quotes stated by some of the best swimmers in the world during past interviews or given through social media. Some might be simple and cliche, but they can be used for your daily dose of chlorine and can freshen up the right mental approach, especially as individuals return to training. Enjoy and treasure them.

“Hard Work Always Pays Off”

Bottom Line: You can always get better through your efforts.
Iron Lady Katinka Hosszu always emphasizes the need to be ready for hard work. Be ready to be fatigued, to break sometimes and to be in pain. Getting back will not be easy, but if you are committed to your sport, you will embrace the return with determination, enthusiasm and enjoyment. Your muscles will feel the fire, the burn (especially during kick sets), and one of your thoughts might be, “Why do I have to do this?” In that precise moment, when you feel stopping is the only choice, remember that you are one step closer to your goal, to succeed and win the practice. Bring it home! Everything will be paid off. Don’t give up!

“Believe It Until the End”

Bottom Line: Believe until you achieve your goal.
Federica Pellegrini, the Diva Italian freestyler, believes in the power of the mind. This is what you should do, too. Getting back to work will not be an easy path. However, you need to believe in yourself and your goals. Even if you think you can’t make it to the end of a hard gym session, or you can’t make it until the end of a killer practice, remember that it is all in your mind. How much do you want it? How much you believe in what you do? Never doubt yourself and your goals, and never take a step back. COVID-19 is a beast, but don’t let it drag you down. Be ready to fight and overcome challenges.

Florent Manaudou – Photo Courtesy: Patrick B. Kraemer

“It’s Not About Being the Best. It’s About Being Better Than You Were Yesterday”

Bottom Line: Always make some progress.
Florent Manaudou, the French sprint star and 2012 Olympic champion in the 50 freestyle, believes as long as you take one step forward every day, you are on the right path. When coming back, it is important to keep in mind that nobody is chasing you. Don’t rush on getting your technique back. Technique requires precision and details. Don’t feel worried if you are struggling during an aerobic set. You are not alone. Don’t panic if your performances are off. As long as you give 100%, you have nothing to worry about. Take your return as a new beginning: Reset and focus on one thing to improve every day. Progress will come.

“Maybe if there were no Phelps and Lochte, I wouldn’t have been so good. They encourage me to be faster.”

Bottom Line: Rivalries can bring out the best in you.
Hungarian Laszlo Cseh’s rivalries with Michal Phelps and Ryan Lochte spurred him to be faster and better. Every time you come back to the pool and you see the swimmer next to you going faster, take it as a motivation not to give up. Having a race buddy (or more than one) is always good to maintain competitiveness and feel a sort of adrenaline. Pushing each other will help you to improve and move your limits beyond what you thought was achievable.

“There Are Going to Be Obstacles That Come in Your Way. Stay Positive”

Bottom Line: Do not allow bumps to deter you. Stay upbeat and believe you will overcome.
This statement is from Michael Phelps, the greatest swimmer of all time. It is okay to feel tired, exhausted and stressed. When coming back to swim, be aware of the fact that you will face difficulties. This is inevitable. It’s part of your sport and life. This might be why you love swimming so much, because you never get bored and you always have a chance to grow. Staying positive will attract positive thoughts, useful for when you will have a “not-so-good-moment.” What should motivate you to keep going is the main goal you want to reach at the end of your journey. And it will come. Be patient.

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