Entering the Conversation

Fears of retirement

 https://swimswam.com/7-ways-to-cope-with-retirement-from-competitive-swimming/#comment-644878

The Conversation or article I chose to enter is about 7 ways to cope with retirement from competitive swimming the article was written by Elle Meinholz. I signed up to the website SwimSwam so that I could get an email notification if ever Elle Meinholz replied to my comment.

This is my first comment to Elle Meinholz article

“I am still competing competitively, and I am 27 years old. I must say the years tick over the question in my mind about what my life is going to be like when I hang up the costume and goggles. The kinds of questions I ask myself are:  Will I let myself go and get fat? How will I stay fit or where will I find the motivation to stay fit since competitive swimming was my main drive to do so. I really appreciate your swimmer swammer comparison and the ending says it all "Don’t worry though! You are a swammer! Just because the swimming career is behind you doesn’t mean you are any less awesome. It is definitely an adjustment, but if anyone can make it work, you can!" I guess the die-hard mentally of the swimmer still carries through into the swammer chapter. 

But do you believe there is something out there that can stimulate a competitive swimmer as much as they were stimulated by training and competitive swimming? also is there a post swimming depression a competitive swimmer would have to look out for?”

This here was Elle Meinholz response to my comment

“Bradley,

If you find something that stimulates swimmers as much as they used to be by training and racing, let me know! I think a lot of swammers, myself included, search for something that fuels that competitive nature and intensity. Many swimmers take up different sports or workouts, which allows them to fuel their intensity from a whole new sport. It’s eye-opening. Many dive into running and/or triathlons. My sister and I do some kickboxing. Others have really found their niche in CrossFit. Masters Swimming is a great way to stay involved in the sport we love, without the same level of intensity.

I do believe there is a little “depression” many of us go through once swimming is over. I use the word depression lightly because I think it’s more of a stage that many go through, just trying to find themselves outside of the sport. Swammers are swimmers for life.

I received a notification and responded Elle Meinholz.

“Thank you, Elle really appreciate your reply. Yes, you are right when you say there are other options “eye opener” after swimming and that the world does not just stop at swimming.

In your experience do you believe a swimmer should start visualising themselves as a swammer especially if they are coming up to that finishing line in the next two years. Or should I just deal with it when that comes?

Also, my other question to you is: what would you advise a swimmer to do that would make the transition from swimmer to swammer easier or more prepared?

Thank you.”

Since then I have had no response from the author.