Embracing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion In the Swimming World
Most teams in our country look the same: ‘privileged’ swimmers who have been doing it their entire lives. Other countries have a diverse background of athletes, with different perspectives and walks of life. We need to recognize and embrace this. Having diverse swimmers, whether they are from different races, cultures, or sexualities can help make the sport much more enjoyable. Certainly, a consistent effort must be put forth to ensure your team is actively trying to be inclusive.
Expand Your Diversity
Usually, there is at least one swimmer on a team who is from a foreign country. In some cases, this athlete can barely speak English and is not accustomed to the American way of life. Some foreign athletes can end up being the nicest and most reliable teammates. Appreciate this diversity by spending extra time with them. Go out for a meal, take them to a store they’ve never been in, or invite them to watch a football game. You never know how these small gestures could impact the quality of their stay. You can learn a lot from those from different cultures, and it will help strengthen the overall team dynamic.
Practice Inclusion
Inclusivity means stepping out of your comfort zone to help others have a sense of belonging, making them feel important and heard. We often shut down the idea of trying to include someone who may be different from us. We like to find cliques, especially on bigger teams. When swimmers go to the same school, have similar backgrounds, or are of the same gender/race, they tend to seclude themselves to a certain group. Consequently, this creates unfair and unnecessary social and cultural boundaries.
Explore other differences
Conversate with someone new, expand your horizon and participate in a fun, different activity to expand inclusion. This may be different, but it is interesting to learn about and from a minority individual. Shy away from discriminating against others just because you aren’t totally like them. Focusing on these minute things can have substantial benefits in the long run.
Equity vs Equality
Equality is when each person is given the same resources and opportunities while equity appreciates that each person has different circumstances. This can directly relate to swimming. You should understand that everyone comes from a different place. These diverse qualities can help catapult a team to reaching an end of season goal. Despite the differences, allow everyone to experience the same opportunities. Practicing equity ensures the athletes are moving and working as one unit.
Create a Safe Space
As swimmers, most athletes know not to blatantly discriminate against someone because of their differences. You are on a team. Create an atmosphere of inclusivity. Be approachable to your teammates. Small adjustments to this micro behavior can create a safe space for the team. You never know how much a compliment or gesture could make your teammate feel more included and appreciated.
Embrace diversity, equity and inclusion in our swimming world.
i am a masters swimmer in miami and have been happily embraced by the Florida Gold Coast swim club. For many years i have been welcomed and enjoyed participating in the meets long and short course. The people I have met inspired me to swim in the Alligator lighthouse event in Islamorada, the Florida keys. Robert Strauss has been my open water mentor and coach on north shore in Miami beach. As an african american swimmer I am proud of the experience I have had swimming. Surely we are the human race and share our love for the sport…embracing diversity equity and inclusion has worked for me and i need to do more to bring others along…thxs for article!