Dear swimming parent,
Your child is not a swimmer. They are a person who swims. As such, who they are impacts every aspect of their swimming. Real progress in swimming comes not only from size, strength, speed, endurance, hard training, etc., but from the development of the whole person…their character, their values, their personality. Training alone is not enough, the development of the person is far more important and far more enduring.
Speed, strength, endurance, power, flexibility and technique are all important, however, nothing is as important as integrity, honesty, sincerity, humility, courage, a strong work ethic, the ability to accept responsibility for one’s own actions, the ability to work cohesive with others to achieve a common goal, self-discipline and the ability to maintain a sense of humor under pressure and stress. You get the idea. These things not only have a positive impact on your child’s swimming, but also on every aspect of their life.
We love swimming, and we would love your child to be a world record holder and Olympic champion! But, we would prefer that your kids become better people through the experience of being involved in this great sport. If they happen to also swim fast…that is a bonus.
Sincerely,
Your Child(ren)’s Swim Coaches
