The Makings of A Championship Team

By Emma Gresser, Swimming World College Intern

After 12 years of competitive swimming and almost two years of college swimming under my belt, the biggest conclusion I have come to is how important it is to have a team with one common goal. With that comes invaluable support within the team itself.

Yes, swimming can be considered an individual sport. You are the only person who can make yourself jump in a freezing cold pool at 6 a.m. You are the only person who can make yourself work hard. But, it also becomes easier to jump in the pool with positive energy and work hard when you have numbers swimming alongside you toward the same goal.

It sometimes seems easy to give up or quit. When you have 40 teammates behind you, pushing you to be a better athlete and a better person, it becomes difficult to even consider the notion.

It becomes more and more true to me each season that you have to surround yourself with, not just teammates, but people with common goals. People who work together can accomplish so much more than they can individually.

Swimming requires resilience. You must have that solid support system or you just find yourself staring at a black line for hours on-end.

I have been a part of many teams that have had their ups and downs throughout a season. The teams with individuals who choose to pick themselves up and come together as one dignified unit are the ones who come out on top.

The teammates who are in it for the long haul are the ones worth fighting for and with. And the best part is that you grow together and can build upon the sturdy foundation you’ve poured. That is what makes a championship team.

As you start your taper, remember that the swims might be individual, but the process is not. Teamwork makes a dream work.

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Glen R. Norris
Glen R. Norris
9 years ago

Being positive and staying positive is a challenge. GO BEARCATS

Darlene mulheim
Darlene mulheim
9 years ago

Great article. Keep positive and and good results will follow. Swim fast. Go Bearcats

Katie Hamilton
9 years ago

lookin good! Kim Brackin Brie Powers Jacqueline Martin Susana Escobar

Katie Hamilton
9 years ago

Alexi Spann Magruder Natalie Maree

Susana Escobar
9 years ago

Lol I was just chillin over there. Fixing my earing maybe

Alexi Spann Magruder
9 years ago

If I could ever make it in a picture without pulling double chin action I would be shocked

Alexi Spann Magruder
9 years ago

If I could ever make it in a picture without pulling double chin action I would be shocked

Alexi Spann Magruder
9 years ago

If I could ever make it in a picture without pulling double chin action I would be shocked

Alexi Spann Magruder
9 years ago

If I could ever make it in a picture without pulling double chin action I would be shocked

Becky martin
Becky martin
9 years ago

Such insight. Good advice for any endeavor. True understanding of the value of teamwork and putting forth maximum effort GO BEARCATS

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