Is 14 Too Old To Start Training For Swimming in London 2012, School How to keep up?

Question

I have been swimming since I was 7, but am just about to start swimming competitively for USA Swimming, i am willing to give it my all to make it to the Olympics, but the thing is i'm entering my 1st year of high school and i heard thats alot of work, what kind of schedule should i have to mix education with training?

Answer 1

Wow ironic im entering first year of high school myself. i guess i cant answer your question until you answer mine.  how good of a swimmer are you right now?  what's your best stroke and best time(s)?

Answer 2

why is everyone trying to become the next michael phelps these days?

Answer 3

John Naber started swimming as a high school freshman, and he won four gold medals at the Montreal Games as a 20 year old. So no -- it's not too late. Making the Olympics is always a longshot. Talent, desire, and training are all required.

As far as juggling sports and academics, you really need to talk to your coach. The time commitment for high school swimming varies widely. Some programs have 2 practices a day 6 days a week. Others don't require that you swim every day. You'll simply have to ask to find out what kind of program your school has.

Regardless of the type of program, you will need to be organized and proactive in order to handle swimming and school at the same time. In college, I actually got better grades during semesters that I was swimming, because it forced me to be more efficient with my time. Swimming during school can be a struggle, but ultimately I think it makes you a better student.

Answer 4

I think it depends. Just beginning competatively as a freshman means a lot less experience, but who knows! You will definetly need some pure talent because just working hard might could be EXTREMELY difficult. keep your hopes high, but not too high. I have been swimming for 8 years, and no one in my entire team has made the olympics, and they have put in hours and hours of training. I'd go for the 2016 olympics.  

Answer 5

i am a swimmer and have been a swimmer for USA swimming since i was five.

good luck with your dreams and all bub... but i am FAR from the olympics and have been swimming my whole life.

it takes ten 5 hour practices a week to make the olympics. it HARD work and you will basically have no life.

tell me if ya make it...