By Nicole Farina, Swimming World College Intern.
You work hard day in and day out for months on end. You endure early morning wake ups, lifts that make it impossible to walk up the stairs the next day, and grueling practices that cause you to question your own sanity. You survived your brutal training trip when you didn’t think you’d make it out alive, and you finished those races over the course of the season where you felt like you were swimming through clay. Now, you tell yourself, it’s finally time for the best part.
It’s that time where all of the sacrifices and pain are going to pay off. You’ve done everything right. You’re prepared. You’re eating well, staying hydrated, and getting sleep. You know how you want to swim your races, and you’ve pinpointed your focus. You’re ready.
You arrive at your championship meet. You’re excited, and you’re confident. But, somehow, you just fall short. You don’t accomplish your goals, and you don’t do what you worked so hard to accomplish. You’re disappointed in yourself and in your swims.
We’ve all been there, even the best of the best. It’s heartbreaking to not swim the way that you imagined yourself. But you can get past this. You will be able to shake this off.
Allow yourself time to be upset.
Photo Courtesy: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports
However you’re feeling right now – frustrated, annoyed, sad – it’s okay. You have a right to your emotions. Swimming is so much more than the physical aspects. It’s a huge part of your life, and when the outcome isn’t what you hoped, it can be pretty tough on a dedicated athlete. You’ve put so much time, energy, thought, and passion into this sport, so disappointment is not always something you can brush off right away. It’s important to accept that.
Find the positives.
Photo Courtesy: Brian Jenkins-UVM Athletics
While it is normal to have those feelings of disappointment, it’s not healthy to prolong those feelings. There comes a point where you need to pick yourself up, and get ready to move on from this experience.
A great way to do this is pick out the positives of the meet. Maybe your relay dropped time, your team scored more points than expected, or you did a better job of cheering on and supporting your teammates than you did last year. Whatever it is for you, find it. It’s there. No swim meet is an absolute failure. Finding the good in the tough situations is so important, and can help you move past your own personal setbacks.
Get fired up for next season.
Photo Courtesy: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports
Use your setbacks as fuel for the season ahead. In the time that you have off from swimming, it’s crucial to stay motivated. Hit the weight room, stay in the pool, and figure out what you need to fix or work on. Don’t lose your competitive fire, and stay hungry. Keep chasing your goals, no matter the obstacles.
All commentaries are the opinion of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Swimming World Magazine nor its staff.
Caitlin Campbell
Stay hungry Caitlin Campbell !!!!
Rachel Spaulding you know I don’t have that issue????????
????
What happens when there isn’t a next season?
That is a very moving photo. I so hope that Missy regains her form.
Beautiful article. I watched my daughter fight back. I thank her terrific friends and phenomenal coaches. I’ll never be able to thank them enough. When my daughter said she was “having fun” and “loving it” again, it was like winning the lottery. “Finding the positives” is key. Even if it’s just one little thing. Build on that.
A. Rob a gas station
B. Say a gun men attacked you
C. Leave the city/county
D. Appear on dancing with the stars