Dear Struggling Swimmer

Photo Courtesy: David Farr

By Elise Campbell

Every swimmer on every swim team has hated the sport for a time. There are thousands of reasons for this feeling that all converge at the same point: losing love and passion for an amazing sport.

These feelings are inevitable based solely on the commitment level that swimming requires. We do things that others don’t and if the payoff isn’t there, resentment creeps in to replace passion. The way out is hard to find, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t there.

When You Were Young

Photo Courtesy: Connor Bailey

Try to remember yourself as a young athlete. The way you felt, the things you cared about. This may have been before reality set in, but the memories are still there. You loved to swim because of how it made you feel. Embody that little kid again. Embrace his or her thoughts and emotions after winning that first medal or beating a rival.

If it makes you nostalgic or even sad thinking of this past life, there’s still something there. By thinking of happier times, you can remember why you felt that way and how you can get back to the good.

Hype Level

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Photo Courtesy: Andrea Staccioli / Deepbluemedia / Insidefoto

Close your eyes and imagine yourself swimming your best event at the meet of your life. Your stroke is strong as you pull through the water. You race to the finish, practically on fire, and your team goes crazy as you touch the wall. It’s an unbelievable time, something you never thought you were capable of in reality.

Did that raise your hype level even a little bit? You’re still a swimmer.

Going Forward

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Photo Courtesy: Ian MacNicol

What lies ahead of you in the sport? Are you going off to college or are you nearing the end of your career? Place yourself in that new situation, but imagine it without swimming. There are obvious and lazy pros to this idea, but do they outweigh the cons?

Boredom is scarier than many realize. Swimmers are distinctly competitive and that rush will no longer be provided. Figure out which is more frightening: a hard set or a total lack of competitive stimulation.

Goal Setting

Photo Courtesy: NFHS/AIA/SwimmingWorld.TV

In swimming, goals can sometimes appear overwhelming, particularly in the midst of a lull in motivation. They don’t seem possible, so why try? Switch to thinking about the process. Keep your dreams in your back pocket and focus on one set at a time. You’ve survived countless difficult sets and you’ll continue to do so. Think of time in smaller increments and your goals won’t seem so looming.

Set a weekly goal and pour everything into it. Write that goal down each week and post it somewhere visible. Over time you’ll have tangible proof of the work you’ve put in and the ways you’ve succeeded beyond just fast times.

Confidence

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Confidence is directly related to achievement and passion. Why would you think you’re anything less than amazing while behind the blocks? Picture what you do EVERYDAY in comparison to the average person. Not good enough? Make sure that you truly are special by putting in the work to create confidence. You will always swim faster when you know you can.

Stand with your hands on your hips behind the block because you know you’re the best. Smile to yourself with the knowledge of your impending win. Have the strength to create the victories you want.

T Stands for Team

USA Swimming world championship team 2015 swimmer

Photo Courtesy: David Plummer/Twitter

If you can’t do it for yourself, what about your teammates? They’ve seen you crying into your goggles because you were breaststroke-kicked in the head in the warm down pool. And they are still there. Conversely, they’ve seen you standing on the podium after the race of your life. And they are still there. Think of them every time you can’t find a reason to keep going.

Swimming never claimed to be easy, but how hard would it be without your support system? Not everyone is afforded that luxury, so take advantage of it. Lean on them when you can’t stand. Be that rock for them. What is more motivating that comradery, than the knowledge of a common goal that everyone builds upon?

Passion Is a Choice

Photo Courtesy: Taylor Brien

Most of the time, these feelings pass. Somehow things turn around and you start fighting again. Other times, they don’t. Regardless of the outcome, searching for that passion, that overwhelming love and competitive fire, is completely worth it. It’s what sets you apart from those who won’t allow their own success.

All commentaries are the opinion of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Swimming World Magazine nor its staff.

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