Plus sized swimmer and concerns?

Question

My sister is somehow plus sized, she's 13, and she says she is going to take up competitive swimming. She is going to save up some money to get a speedo fastskin fs pro swimsuit. is the swimsuit too advanced for a beginner like her?will she look fat in the swimsuit?

she knows the strokes but she still needs to learn more. she hasn't touched the pool for 5 years already.

also, I'm concerned about her when she has her periods. my mum thinks traditionally and doesn't allow us to use tampons. should she buy tampons without telling our mother?

She has a very tight schedule in school, is two practices a week enough for her? because her aims are to compete in the Olympics in 2016

My sister and I are very close and when she asks me about swimming, I have no idea

Answer 1

I suggest she buys a normal swimsuit first, in case she gives up swimming or doesn't have time for it. They are quite costy so I would leave it until a little bit later.

No, she will look fine in it as one of my friends at swimming is plus sized as well.

With her periods I suggest using a tampon but if you're not allowed definiately don't use pads - they will soak up water. Only the heaviest days of your periods, you need to skip swimming, light days are fine. Olympians regulate their cycles with special pills.

No i'm sorry but she doesn't have a good chance to make it to the Olympics. Two days a week is enough for fitness but not to become an Olympian. Olympians start their career at a very early age - around 8. They usually train 6 times a week for 6 hours each session. She should just focus on school. But she definiately should do it for fitness - it's very good and FUN!

Answer 2

I don't know that much about competitive swimming but from a women's point of view yes she should wear tampons when she swims. Pads will absorb all the water and expand in her costume, that's why you don't flush them down the toilet or else they will block the drain.

Answer 3

First, I will cheer her on and hope she does begin again.  It is a great sport and has lasting benefits.  Second, pads are completely inappropriate in a pool.  For your education, tampons do not cause you to lose your virginity nor break the hymen.  Some people, whether for old school religious trained reasons or lack of access to information, still are against tampons.  I have been using them since 1985 at age 13.  Speak with a gynecologist about it if you have any doubts.  A fastskin suit will not be the miracle she is looking for.  Train and commit to it.  I do not know her size, but chances are, if she is as you say, she will not be comofrtable in one and probably not fit in them as they come in restricted sizes.  I have swimmers at age 8 who work out at least 3 times a week and by her age are in the pool at least 5 times a week.  Regardless of what her goals are, she will never regret learning to better her skills and also the lifelong benefits that come with it.  Encourage her and I wish her well.