It was just like any other day – until it wasn\u2019t. Everything changed in an instant. <\/span>Trips to swim practice became visits to doctors appointments; waiting for the weekend off became waiting for test results; minutes on the pool deck stretching before practice became hours watching during practice; and wishing you didn\u2019t have to jump in the cold pool at 6 a.m. became wishing that you could.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Photo Courtesy: Jen Cournoyer<\/p><\/div>\n
Injuries can happen quickly and eventually leave behind a scar or recurring ache. But injuries and illnesses much the same shape an athlete far beyond physical symptoms, causing mental and emotional pain as well. After personally suffering an injury and interviewing sixteen swimmers with past or current injuries and illnesses, here are some common thoughts and themes:<\/span><\/p>\n
1. You May Feel Lost<\/b><\/h2>\n
Once you experience an injury, you might suddenly feel like an outsider – alienated from the rest of the team. During training, you might be directed to a separate lane in which to practice on your own or watch from the sidelines. You’re refilling water bottles you should be drinking out of and recording the races in which you should be swimming.<\/span><\/p>\n
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Photo Courtesy: Sally Wickham Zubero<\/p><\/div>\n
You suddenly feel isolated from the group and crave the encouragement, infectious energy and motivation you once gave and received from your teammates. <\/span>In these moments, you feel like everything is swirling around you at a fast pace, yet you remain motionless just waiting and wondering, \u201dWhy me? Why now?\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n
Former Nova Southeastern University swimmer Laura White<\/strong>, who suffered a career-ending concussion due to a car accident, said of her experience: \u201c[My injury] made me realize you could do everything right to work towards a goal and dream, and in an instant, it\u2019s taken away without your control.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n
2. Your Injury is Valid<\/b><\/h2>\n
$\"Athletic$
Photo Courtesy: Physio Pro<\/p><\/div>\n
No matter what kind of pain you’re experiencing, the point in the season or the duration, your injury is valid. Although someone always has it “worse” than you, you are still entitled to your pain and feelings. <\/span>Injured athletes are often worried about backlash from people in their circles, including their own teammates. Sitting out or modifying an exercise may be seen as faking or exaggerating.<\/span><\/p>\n
For fear of showing weakness and being dramatic, needy or judged, injured athletes may put up a strong front. In reality, they may be struggling deeply behind closed doors. Showing vulnerability and succumbing to pain does not make someone weak, useless or less of a member of the team. Ultimately, you have to listen to your body and trust that you are making the right decisions for yourself and your health. <\/span><\/p>\n
3. You Learn the Value of Relationships<\/b><\/h2>\n
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Photo Courtesy: Sunshine State Conference<\/p><\/div>\n
As difficult as the lesson is to learn, while experiencing an injury, you learn the value of the relationships in your life. At times you may feel ignored or misunderstood. While some people will have little empathy, thankfully there are others who will be emotionally available for you. It is amazing how much you begin to believe in yourself when people believe in you. During this time, you develop more compassion overall for people experiencing similar challenges. The compassion you have received from those who truly support you is, in turn, the same compassion you can pass along to the next injured athlete. <\/span><\/p>\n
4. You Learn Patience<\/b><\/h2>\n
With the pressure and eagerness to return to the pool but an injury holding you back, you learn the importance of patience. Through the pure frustration, it is crucial to live one day at a time and take things as they come. Although there may be a sense of guilt for not \u201ccontributing,\u201d Dr. Alan Goldberg<\/strong> describes<\/a> how you must accept the unknown ahead and not rush the healing process. A lack of patience can even lead to a more serious injury in the long run. Extending this patience into competition may be beneficial to focus on simply swimming your best<\/span> without any expectations.<\/span><\/p>\n
5. You Make Your Health a Priority<\/b><\/h2>\nYour health takes focus over swimming. After balancing doctors appointments, emotions and physical pain, you are forced to take a step back to see the greater picture. Olympian <\/span>Missy Franklin<\/b> shared her story of retirement<\/span><\/a> with the world after years of chronic shoulder pain. In a letter to ESPN, Franklin described holding her future child in her arms without feeling excruciating pain as more important than achieving greatness in the pool.<\/span><\/p>\n
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A post shared by Missy Franklin Johnson (@missyfranklin88)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n