Over the decades of being a swimmer and coach, several people have asked me what makes a competitive swimmer. I always reply "perseverance.”
As with most things, you don’t improve if you don’t practice and results don’t immediately appear. Additionally, attending every practice and practicing smart are two different things.
Over my aquatic tenure, I have seen several athletes that never miss a practice and are tough as nails but have minimal improvement. On the contrary, you may encounter the "natural talent” that does a minimal amount but still succeeds.
Finding your balance is key.
Ability & Performance are determined by several factors and below are just a few:
- Body type
- Genetics
- Obtainability of coaching
- Access to facilities
Factors that you can control that affect your performance:
- Attitude
- Attendance
- Adaptability
- Accountability
Some coaches mention that 90% of the battle is showing up. This is often true. Coaches can give you the tools to succeed. Ultimately, it comes down to the athlete’s ability to be coached.
Athletes need to:
- Allow for recovery
- Apply suggestions from coaches and pursue proper technique
- Eat right
- Hydrate
- Mentally prepare and accept what your body does naturally to perform
- Physically exert themselves. Train @ 80 % of max HR
- Relax and don’t overthink in competition
- Rest
- Trust your coaching
- Have fun!
If you do the above-mentioned and persevere, chances are you will succeed.
By Brian Pearson, Lead Swim Coach