Can i ever compete in the Olympics in swimming?

Question

I am 15 years old and im 6''2, and a friend told me that i would be a great swimmer even though ive never swam competitevly befor. If i started now would it be possible to go to the Olympics?

Answer 1

Nothing is impossible.  Just start swimming.  You'll probably suck at first until you get your form down.  But if you keep working at it and have some natural talent, it's possible.  I'm on the high school swim team, and some of our best swimmers didn't start until they got to high school. On the other hand, it definitely is an advantage to start young.  Just give it a shot.  Getting to the Olympics is definitely very unlikely (if it were easy, nobody would care), but stranger things have happened.

Answer 2

ur a bit late I think. But if ur naturally talented and are willing to work hard, you could do it. I've been at it for years and I know I wont be in the olympics, but im good enough that swimming is my ticket to college

Answer 3

Nick,

So you wanna be like Mike huh?

You'll be a bit behind the others if you're starting at age 15 but it's definitely not too late.

I started at age 11 and got spanked by the competition early on...but it was a lot of fun "climbing the ladder" as I caught up to the competition one by one over the years until I set my first National Record my junior year in High School.

Many swimmers are now continuing there careers well into their 20's and Jason Lezek (anchor on the US 4x100 free relay last night) is 32 years old. I know a friend that almost qualified for the Olympic Trials this past year at the age of 44. (Look at Dara Torres)

However, this is unusual so I'd suggest starting now because the longer you wait the lower the probability of making the Olympics.

But no matter what your age when you start you the commitment level is extremely high to be successful enough to make it to the Olympics.

Enjoy!

Answer 4

Dude, h**l YEA! If you REALLY like it and committee you could be there in four/eight years. Eight years is about the average training time of an Olympian. Look up Olympic story's and you'll see, there amazing!  

Answer 5

the real question is, do u want to swim? and its never too late. there was a pole vaulter today in olympics track and field and she started doing pole vaulting only 4 years before and she was one of the best.