Am I too old to become an Olympic swimmer?

Question

Up until I was 10 or 11, I took swimming lessons. I was always the youngest in my levels by a couple of years and by the time I finished the last level, I felt very out of place between the much older swimmers. I had my chance to join the competitive swim club, but opted out for the reason that I was afraid. I think that I have natural talent... I have always excelled at swimming. According to what I have read about, I also think that I have some physical characteristics that benefit me in the sport. I am now 14 years old and miss swimming a lot. I'm not shooting for 2012, but I think it would be possible to get to the 2016 Olympics... I'll be 22 at that point. Is it possible for me and what does it really take?

Answer 1

It takes an incredible commitment to be able to compete at the Olympic level.  Why not start training for a lesser level of competition?  See how well you do in swim club meets, state-wide races, etc.  If you do real well then you can decide if you want to invest the time and money that goes into becoming a competitive Olympic swimmer.

Answer 2

No. Impossible is nothing. Your country will be proud of you if you participated in olympics and obtain a medal what ever your age is.

Answer 3

go for it

just work really hard at it =]

Answer 4

Well there is a 41 year old mom competing in the olympic swin so ya, you should be fine. and in order to get in you literally have to be the best in the world.

Answer 5

yeah you know Darra Torres is actually 41 years old and she just got first place!!!  she has shown people everywhere that anyone can make it to the olympics. just work hard at it and set your mind to it and anything is possible...im interested in getting into swimming to but i just started this year and im 14 but i took lessons when i was younger but i was never in club. but i think i could handle it a big part of swimming is stamina i find that one of the hardest part is pushing yourself to go faster because you feel like you are going to die! when i feel like that i tell myself you can do this we'll make it to the end soon enough. and sure enough i make it to the end without any problems. i also have asthma and swimming is a good workout for the lungs. Phelps and Torres are inspiration for me to keep with the sport

Answer 6

I'm 15 and I want to as well but I just don't have the stamina and my breathing is horrible

stamina is probably one of the most important parts

work hard, set your mind to it, and its possible

you should find a really good coach and ask him/her for a professional opinion