Where do I range with my swimming?

Question

I just recently started swimming, it's my first year swimming competitively, and it's high school. I'm a senior, and we've been training/practicing for about 1.5 months, so the longest i've ever practiced competitive swimming has been 1.5 months. Our first meet is coming up, and these are my times in my events, from the starting block, etc.

50free - 23.3

100 free 50.21

My coach has told me that I have an incredible natural talent for swimming, and i've wondered if what he has said is true. I began swimming a couple of months ago because I've always had a passion for being in the water, and i've always been competitive when it comes to ANYTHING, so I decided to take up swimming as a sport, I've probably started a bit late than most people do for this sport, I'm 17 years old, looking to become an elite swimmer, nationally and internationally. Currently the team i'm on practices 11 times a week, Monday 5 am - 6:15 am, and then 3-6:30 pm, and saturday mornings from 7-11 am.

Do I have what it takes to become an elite swimmer on the international level, and a hopeful olympian?

Would like some feedback, thanks.

Answer 1

Let me just say WOW. Those are some incredible time considering you've only swam for less than 2 months! Lets put it like this, I'm the same age, and have been training since freshman year, so almost 4 years more experience. My 50-yard freestyle is a 23.2 (should be better, I lost my touch at the end of the season) and my 100-yard freestyle is a 49.5. There are people who swim for 8, even 10 years and can never achieve those times.

If you keep up the work ethic you have right now, you're sure to do great things in this sport.

Answer 2

ummmm how bout you SUCK!? and you're an A**hole?! and a liar?! oh and NO you dont. :)

Answer 3

hel yeh you have a natural talent yeh i think you do have what it takes

just keep training and i will be watching you in the olympics ok? and im serious dont say lol

Answer 4

Toni,

Those are tremendous times for only 1 1/2 months of training. If it's true, this is how long you've been training, you are truly a gifted swimmer.

I appears that your training schedule will surely give you an excellent base.

You are correct that starting at 17 is late in the game for most swimmers but with the times listed above you'll be find and will improve very rapidly (I'm predicting).

The biggest obstacle I can see for you is that you'll be very challenged to attract the college coaches and receive a scholarship next year. Most college coaches are looking for 20+ and 44+ level sprinters and the competition for these spots at the college level is tremendous. It'll be difficult to achieve these types of times for a few years. You may have to be a walk on for your first couple of years.

If you stay with it though you very well could be a national contender by your Junior or Senior year in college.

Good Luck.

Enjoy!