Should I quit swimming if I hate it?

Question

I have been on the swim team for 5 years...im really only good at one particular stroke and I'm ok at the others

My coach has put me in a group with people that are 10 seconds faster than me but are also the same age if not a couple of months younger

i really dislike swimming, i find myself dreading practices and sometimes meets...

i'm pretty good at swimming but I really don't like it because its extremely painful when u get to training

should i quit? or just grit my teeth and get on with it?

Answer 1

i agree with john d.

maybe take a brake for a bit then see if you want to join next year.

Answer 2

I have a friend on my team who went through the same issue. She hated swim and dreaded coming to practices and basically the same as you. But she stuck around and now she really enjoys it. Everything worked out for her. Even though she didn't like it for awhile she practiced hard and went through it. In the end it really paid off. She made junior olympics and far western cuts and is training for international meet and possibly olympic trials. I suggest you continue it.

Answer 3

you remind me of the same question I had many, many years ago. I swam for a few years in high school, and like you, i was good only in one stroke. I was too fast for the jv team but not good enough for the varsity team. Although i enjoyed swimming, I dreaded the long workouts and frankly my heart wasn't in it. So, in my senior year I decided not to swim competitively and do something else. I was afraid of disappointing my parents but fortunately they were supportive of my decision. I pursued a non athletic interest which i really enjoyed and it ended up being more enriching for me. I never regretted my decision and that was 37 years ago. BTW, I continue to swim in life and i find it as one of the best form of exercises to keep in shape with.  People always compliment  me on the smoothness of my stroke and ask me how I can swim so many laps. You know what else? i have been thinking about getting into open water swimming for the challenge. the only person we are in competition with in life is ourselves. i hope this helps. Go follow your heart, there will be enough things in life that you will have to grit your teeth on. save your gritting for them. Good Luck!

Answer 4

The first sentance in your question is your answer.  If you hate it, you shouldn't do something that makes you unhappy.  If you really consider your thoughts and see there is an upside to swimming, such as your talent, you should reconsider and be the best swimmer you can be and pour your heart and soul into swimming.

You really have to make this decision on your own.  Nobody can make this decision but you.

I hope you do whatever is best for you :]

Answer 5

Swimming is a difficult sport if you're into it. You have to love it to prosper. Maybe take a break, and see how it affects you're regular life.