Shelby Iava - (Author)

Mother's Day Celebration: An Ode to Swim Moms (Includes Team USA Videos) Here's an ode to Swim Moms, among the unsung heroes of the world. It's race day. The team cheer was energizing, yet you still feel like something is missing. You scan the densely packed stands: it is full of familiar faces, tho...

The COVID-19 Effect: A Look at Some of the Major Meets Lost By Danny Whirlow, Swimming World College Intern.  As the summer of 2020 ends, the COVID-19 pandemic shows no sign of letting up. Will more swimming be canceled? Seasons hang in limbo as others cautiously start. But while the swimming commun...

10 Songs of 2020 for Your Pandemic Playlist By Danny Whirlow, Swimming World College Intern.  With a new academic year about to begin, some schools are following through with their swim seasons. Naturally, practices are sure to carry some anxiety with them as the pandemic still grips the globe. What...

By Danny Whirlow, Swimming World College Intern.  For sprinters, a race can be over in a flash, so quick that it sometimes is counterproductive to take a breath. Yes, that's right, that one thing swimmers of all strokes can't get enough of, consider doing it less. The next best strategy for sprinter...

Swimmers, Improve Your Cooking Game! By Danny Whirlow, Swimming World College Intern.  It's understandable that a swimmer may loathe the idea of cooking for him or herself after practice. Or at all for that matter. With muscles aching, skin flaking and smelling of chlorine, who wouldn't want to just...

By Danny Whirlow, Swimming World College Intern.  Every four years, when swimmers of all ages tune in to watch their Olympic heroes compete, viewers may forget that they're witnessing only one part of those athletes' lives. Certainly, the Olympic Games are a significant part, but their lives go on, ...

Every swimmer has their own pre-race ritual. You know, those stretches you do in the same order before every race? Or perhaps you recite a meaningful prayer. Or, you might not do anything at all - you're loose and unperturbed by superstitions. Regardless of what you choose to do or not do, it is com...

By Danny Whirlow, Swimming World College Intern.  Last Summer, pools all around the United States voiced concerns over a lack of lifeguards to run safe and efficient operations. Stretched thin, some pools ended up cutting operating hours, depriving patrons of leisurely time and employees opportuniti...

By Danny Whirlow, Swimming World College Intern.  On August 18, 2018 - fifteen years after he beat leukemia - Dutch Olympian and gold medalist Maarten van der Weijden plunged into the frigid waters of the Netherland's famous Elfstedentocht. Typically used a speed skating course, the Elfstedentocht c...

By Danny Whirlow, Swimming World College Intern.  The Futures Greensboro meet concluded today with one final day of strong competition. The women of the Sarasota Sharks comfortably won the meet with 267 points. The Blue Dolfins finished second with a 235 points. They edged out the women of the Marli...

8/2/19By Danny Whirlow, Swimming World College Intern.  The second day of Futures Greensboro continued to showcase the up-and-coming swimming talent across the country. Though the evening was full of close finishes, a few swimmers were able to set themselves apart from their competition with incredi...

By Danny Whirlow, Swimming World College Intern. The conclusion of the 2019 Speedo Sectionals Cleveland meet was bittersweet. Some swimmers could go home, their seasons’ over. Others would soon return to their pools to prepare for bigger meets. The Ohio State Swim Club reveled in victory, celebratin...

By Danny Whirlow, Swimming World College Intern.  Day 3 of Speedo Sectionals Cleveland was another evening of action-packed swims. Ohio State Swim Club extended their lead to 1511.5 combined points, though Club Wolverine continues to fight despite being down almost 300 points, sitting with a combine...

By Danny Whirlow, Swimming World College Intern.  The ABBA hit "Dancing Queen" resounded through the Robert F. Busbey Natatorium as day two of Speedo Sectionals Cleveland began. The evening saw old records shattered, and unlikely champions emerged. All the while, the Ohio State Swim Club pulled ahea...

By Danny Whirlow, Swimming World College Intern.  There was no shortage of action on the first day of the 2019 Speedo Sectionals Cleveland. Hosted by Cleveland University, the Robert F. Busbey Natatorium was packed with swimmers looking to prove they belonged on top of the podium. Women's 200 Backst...

By Danny Whirlow, Swimming World College Intern.  As June gives way to July, Americans will continue to find ways to enjoy the scorching summer sun. Many families will turn to their community pools to cool down amidst the heat. But as more and more pools across the country find themselves with fewer...

By Danny Whirlow, Swimming World College Intern.  On February 19, 1968, Fred McFeely Rogers entered the hearts of millions of American children with his television show, Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. Taking his shoes off once inside, Mr. Rogers became a paragon for treating others with respect, kindn...

By Danny Whirlow, Swimming World Intern. The cheers eventually die down. Goggles are packed away, towels rolled up, and buses boarded for the long journey home. Now the off-season begins. You can wake up at a reasonable hour now and reflect on your successes and failures of the past season. However,...