Age and physical attributes to take up competitive swimming?

Question

Hi.

I'm 19, currently a uni student, i learn how to swim at around 5yrs old, and have been swimming occasionally, over the summer and every now and then, i have a very strong passion for the water, but now i want to take up competitive swimming. im just wondering is 19 too old to start competitive swimming, also what would you think are some physical attributes that a good swimmer should have. like im 191cm tall (6'2'') and weigh around 87kg, i have size 13-14 feet and hav a moderate build. what do you recommend.

thanks in advance.

cheers

Answer 1

i agree with the first person that answered. im 13 and do competitive swimming. not that you really care but anyways. train hard and at least 3 times a week like the other dude said.... and 19 is a little olld to start swimming but, hey look at that person there she's in the olympics and shes 41 or something crazy like that. so i guess as long as your in shape it shouldnt matter. good luck =D

Answer 2

I'm 15, and I do competitive swimming. It really doesn't matter however about age. For example, in the Olympics at the moment, for Great Britain, Mark Foster, who is 38 years old, is swimming the 50m freestyle.

Therefore, the age doesn't matter, instead, your time is more relevant. What kind of competitive swimming really depends on your time. Now based on your age, most people where I live who do it would be doing 55 seconds for 100m freestyle. However it all depends on again the type of races you do. To get fast times, all that is required is some effort, so you should easily be able to get under a minute if you have good stamina.

As for physical attributes, I would say that being taller helps, as this means you can reach further, and you have a longer pull. Coaches always say extend your stoke and do as fewer strokes as possible. Your height is good for swimming, and your feet are quite big, meaning you should be able to kick quite fast. I'm not to sure of weight, but it seems light and that helps. Overall you have a good build for swimming, and I don't see why you shouldn't do competitive swimming.

Just remember to train hard, for good competitive swimming, I recommend at LEAST 3 times a week, however the more the better, just remember that you always warm up and cool down, and recover from hard swims.

Hope that helps.