From Swimmers To Swammers: Embracing A New Chapter
By Evangelia Vasilakis, Swimming World College Intern.
The thing that some swimmers dread and others celebrate is finally retiring from swimming. We call these people who are done “swammers.” Many embrace the day they do not have to compete anymore, while many long for the adrenaline rush of competition. While some ditch the pool, others find ways to remain involved with this lifelong sport. Here are some things that swimmers do once they become swammers.
Coaching
Many swimmers start to coach. They take their love of the sport and help future generations love it, too. They take their lifelong knowledge of the sport and pass it on to others. Swammers sometimes make highly successful coaches. They know how hard the rigorous practices are, they understand the aches and pains and they understand attention to detail. Former swimmers can really be a great asset to the pool deck. All of my coaches have been former swimmers and they have presented me with tremendous knowledge.
Masters Teams
Many former college swimmers end up joining a Masters team. These are the swimmers who just cannot let go of the adrenaline of competition. This route gives them the opportunity to continue to swim, but in a more relaxed way. They get to compete within an age group that fits them. Many of my former coaches were also on a Masters team, and they loved being able to practice after they coached us all day.
Swim Solo
Many swammers do not want to compete anymore, but they still want to utilize the pool. They know the benefits of the sport and do not want to give up the conditioning swimming provides. Many former swimmers still have their YMCA or gym memberships and can be found doing their own practices to stay healthy. I really look up to these people. Once I graduate, I will be one of these swimmers who will utilize the pool for my own benefit. I find the idea of just swimming for me and not racing to be peaceful and stress relieving. I think many can relate to that feeling because many understand the stress of racing.
Support Former Teammates
Former swimmers frequently go and support their old teammates. They know that an alumni presence can be crucial to helping their former teammates do well. These swammers can still be a part of their team and enjoy watching from a new perspective. I used to do this during winter and spring breaks, when I had moved on to college swimming and still had friends on my high school team.
Support Siblings
I personally relate to this role. Once I graduate from college, my younger sister will be going into college and swimming as well. I cannot wait to relive my swimming days while watching her compete in college. Many swimmers who have siblings do this, too. These swim families have pride in each other and always will support each other.
Alumni Meets
Many former swimmers go to their alumni meets. This is a great way to still be involved with former teams. This can also help inspire younger swimmers to keep swimming even after they graduate. Alumni meets are so much fun because you can talk to generations of former swimmers and learn about their career during and after swimming. Alumni meets are pressure free and meant to involve the former swimmers in their old teams. I always love seeing so many alums at these meets. I find the reminiscing so interesting,
Retiring from swimming is a bittersweet feeling. Many of us have been swimmers for a majority of our lives. It is a hard thing to stop, and many do not. Swimming is something that anyone can do on their own or on a Masters team once they graduate. It is an amazing community of people who will always support each other. Being a swammer is just another chapter in a swimmer’s life that is often embraced when the time comes. I know I am going to miss seeing my teammates everyday.
All commentaries are the opinion of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Swimming World Magazine nor its staff.