Have you noticed an increase in the popularity of swimming since the Olympics? Inspired by Michael Phelps?

Question

There are so many more people at the pool these days than ever before (and I have been going to the almost every day for years), especially teenage guys and younger kids. Some of them have even said, "I want to be just like Phelps."

Even though for me I now have to wait longer to get a lane for lap swimming, I think it's nice to see people so inspired to swim, especially the little kids.

Anyway, have you noticed a boom in popularity, and do you think it could last?

Answer 1

I know, its crazy, i  swam before the sudden craze, so its weird. But im in a swim cub and nationals and stuff, so olympics are in sight. I dont think ti will last though

Answer 2

yes theres more people signing up for lessons more then ever where i work. i dont think it will last once they find out swimming isnt as easy as it looks. they dont realize the amount of work and dedication it takes.

it annoys me how some are all like im in love with swimming im so good ima be better then phelps. and im just like youve been swimming for a week and got involved because phelps won 8 medals i dont think you love it or fully commited

some people i know dont even think swimming is a sport and now everyone wants to do it.

sure its great for kids to get active though

Answer 3

I agree with you, I hope it will all fade out with time. I'm sure it will. And as for the kids...well, I hope it really is the kids who care enough to "become like Phelps" and not the parents....

Answer 4

Swimming has been in the back of my mind for a while and now I'm gonna see about pursuing that by getting info on my high school swim team cuz yea i was inspired by the olympics and michael phelps and im a 16 yr old guy

Answer 5

Yeah every one on answers is like im gonna be an Olympian and they think its really that easy, not only do you need to know how to swim but you have to be lightning fast, I'm a swimmer and I just hate that every body is like " I'm gonna be an Olympic  swimmer'

They think its really that easy.

Trust me last week I was in the pool every day 4 hours then get home and have to workout so its tough.

Answer 6

Yeah, I think I have to agree with that. Although I just started going a few weeks ago because my husband is training for a triathlon and I want to spend time with him. I just follow him with fins and kick board, lol.  But yeah, we had to wait a while last time we went there were like 7-8 people in the double lanes and 3-4 in the single sharing! Ridiculous.

It will probably fade in time as people realize they are not cut out for swimming and kids realize it isn't as easy as Phelps makes it look.