Is it too late for a 17 year old to start training to be an elite swimmer?

Question

Is it too late for a 17 year old male to start training again to be an elite swimmer striving for the olympics?

I did swimming for a couple of months competitively when I was 15, about to turn 16, monday-friday 5-8 pm and saturdays from 7-11, swimming around 10-11k yards each session for my highschool team.

My coach said I have great potential as a swimmer, and told me to join the local club nearby to continue. I took a year off, and have been thinking of starting again, Do you think it is too late at 17 to strive to be an olympian/ elite swimmer?

Answer 1

Is it too late? No

Well it be a challenge with such a late start? Absolutely.

You mention you have 'a couple of months' experience and were swimming 10-11K per WO/day? If you have that kind of background then it sounds like you could get back in the water without much issue.

You need to realize 'elite' swimmers usually start much younger (most from 10-13 years old and some even earlier) and take 6+ years (usually) to make it to the 'elite' level. (I swam for 12+ years and was able to set my first national record after 5 years).

If you're asking about being in the Olympics it doesn't matter when you start because there are so many swimmers vying for the same limited number of spots on the team the competition is very keen. What you can control is getting to the 'elite' level.

To get to this 'elite' level it will take a great deal of commitment, determination, sacrifice, and determination. Most athletes don't achieve the 'elite' level because they lack one or more of those qualities. Having talent and physical attributes don't hurt either.

Your first step is to make the commitment. The second step is to find a swim team with a professional coaching staff that you like and join.

Good luck.

Enjoy.

Answer 2

No, swimming is purely a physical sport and so you don't need much mental training. Michael Phelps trains to MAINTAIN his conditioning level.

Results of physical conditioning usually grow dramatically the first 6 months and is mainitained afterwards.

Answer 3

depends on the coach but no u can do anything that you want to if u set ur mind to it