Is it possible for the everyday teenager(let's say 14 or 15) to start training for the Olympics and make it ?

Question

I was thinking about this because I'm a really fast swimmer(one of the best at my school) and was thinking of trying for the 2012 or 2016 Olympics. Right now I think the idea is kinda foolish because most of the people in the Olympics have been training since they were around six or seven. So here's my question: Could the average teenager make the Olympics if they trained really hard?

Answer 1

Everyday, all day

then yeah

but you have to be perfect

the judges criticize every single thing they do

and make a huge deal of one mistake

Answer 2

its possible,but the olympic committee prefers younger athletes

Answer 3

If you are not already competeing on a national level then it will be tough.

You should set more short term goals rather that one long term goal.

Figure out what you need to do to say get on the swim team of an NCAA school. Set goals to make that and go from there.

Answer 4

No.

The average would have less of a good chance of making it than getting into a pro sport.  Truth is that there are very few spots on a team that only happens once every 4 years.  Along with hard work there is good coaching, technique, facilities, an element of luck,

That said, GO FOR IT!

Would you quit a race because of a bad start? or would you push on to the finish and do the best you could?

Don't look at the years that you haven't trained.  Look at where you are with what you have done.  Are you willing to put in the effort to get there in 4 years?  Even if you come up short of Olympic gold, there are a number of advantages that the training will give you.  Possibilities of scholarships, looks good on a resume, a competitive spirit tempered with good sportsmanship, and not least a healthy lifestyle.

Answer 5

Maybe....you never know.  

Answer 6

no you can only have so many on a team and it is more than just winning it is also your personal actions.that help to qualify you to be on the team. not everyone can be a winner.

Answer 7

In swimming or other more "physical" sport, I doubt it. But perhaps in sports like shooting, or archery, yes (and maybe the marathon. I know people who started training at an older age)

Answer 8

It's not impossible, but I would say you have to start at a very early age.

Answer 9

yes,but usually they take 16 and up.

Answer 10

There are a lot of assumptions about age and athletics being disproved in recent years.  

You're starting a little late to get to the top level, but there are a lot of sports where its possible.   I think Dara Torres has proved that its possible to hit your peak pretty late in swimming.

Triathlon is another sport where athletes start relatively late and don't peak until their 30's.