How hard is it going to be to get back into competitive swimming after 6 years?

Question

Hey, I used to be an international swimmer for Wales in late 90's early 00's, but had to retire due to an ankle injury and a long term shoulder injury. I am now 24. After seeing the success of the British Swimming Team in the 08 Olympics, I have become overwhelmed with emotion, especially seeing the replays of the 400 free, and 800 free. I keep asking myself what if I continued. Since then I have become emotional during news conferences, and have got to the point, where I dream I am in hard training, and wake up in a sweat and breathless. It appears that my passion has been sucked back in. Over last 6 years, I have done pretty much no exercise, haven't stepped in a swimming pool, and currently smoke 20 a day, and work full time as a manager in a stressful sales environment. Is it worth it to try and fulfil my earliest dreams of getting to an Olympics, and give it one last shot for 2012? How hard could it be? Thanks

Answer 1

It would definitely require a lot of effort. You basically would have to sleep, eat, and breathe swimming. But if you are truly serious about it, I don't think it's impossible. There have been a lot of olders Olympians that return to accomplish great things. You're at a bit of a disadvantage that you haven't been keeping up swimming at least casually in the last 6 years--and I think you will have to quit smoking. But why don't you go back to the pool, just swim to get the feel of it, and see how your endurance is. If you can build up and improve, maybe there is a local swim team you can join. But remember to ease into it and not be upset when you first return to the water if you are not as good as you were at the peak of your swimming before your injury. Set realistic goals, and work towards them diligently. You might just change your life!

Best of luck, and if you fulfill your dreams I will probably tear up watching your segment of the Olympics on the TV. =)

Answer 2

In my opinion your are still young enough to do it and plus you should never ever give up on your dreams.If its not hard its not worth doing.Plus to h**l with what we think just get on it.Its what u want so do it or not but whatever you decide its is now and always was your choice.So handle your business brother and don't let anyone influence you.So you know i got your back no matter what you do.

Answer 3

It will be very hard but with your determination and strength i think you could handle and achieve anything you wanted too...

Answer 4

HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRR...

Answer 5

i wont lie

it will be hard

youll not be as engertic and you'll need alot of years of practice but by the sounds of it if u put all your effort in. I'll be seeing you in the 2012 olympics

Answer 6

reach for the skies , pursue your dream . try entering some master swimming events first and just get back in the water  have fun , enjoy swimming again  , go along to your local club and see them tell them what you want , only you can take the first step . believe in you ,you will soon remember what to do ,go for  it!!  

Answer 7

my advice:

stop smoking, and get back in the pool! since your passion has come back, its a great time to be able to push yourself to get back into shape. swimming is hard to get back in shape for since you don't use swimming muscles every day (walking uses different muscles). it would be hard, but i think it would be worth it. if you used to be an international swimmer you probably have some raw talent that will help you get going again, and you could have a chance of making it to the olympics! good luck and i hope you start swimming again!

Answer 8

well, i wont say its gonna be easy since u been away for 6 years but if i took in consideration that u actually was an international swimmer i'd say u have the experience and talent to actually give it a shot, but i'm gonna have to say that as much as emotions can be on ur side they can be against you unless u knew how to take advantage of these emotions and make'em as a moative to fulfil ur dream and be realistic and recognize ur abilities mentaly and physically so if u see the mentality go for it and u have to work alot on ur physical abilities as well ,and be always prepared for the worst and take all possobilities in consideration!! and hey ,, quit smoking ;-) !! that's gna be ur next challenge !! wish u the all the best and hope to see u in 2012 olympics !!  

Answer 9

yes darling it will be hard but you have to just work with it and keep your eyes on the goal. Never give up on your dreams if it's what you really want. You will have to work harder than you have ever worked to whip yourself back in shape for this event. But I believe in you and the fact that I know if you really want it you can do it. I have faith in you. Never give up your dreams especially if you can't stop dreaming of it. A person can aways change their stars so reach for them and create them as you want them to be created. Follow your dreams and heart never let anyone stop you love. Good luck Darling and I wish you the best...

                      Love Always,

                                            Ariel your Irish princess

Answer 10

I think you could definately do it!  I think if you set your mind to it and want to do it then you will be able to.  The way you have described how you feel about it recently I think you really do want to achieve this.  It will definately take alot of your time and energy and like one mentioned the smoking will probably have to go, is that something you are willing to let go to make this dream come true?  Be sure to let me know what you decide and I wish you the best of luck!!