Articles by SwimSwam Contributors

Shout From The Stands: My First Marathon Swim

I moved to Rhode Island three years ago, and up until that point I had never heard of open water swimming. At that point, I had no idea that swimming was about to take on a major role in my life.

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Ask Swim Mom: Why Isn’t My Child Dropping Time?

Our daughter likes the new team because many of her friends from school are on it, but at the same time she is frustrated and disappointed with not achieving her goals.

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Swim Mom: When Our Kids Have Big Dreams

I have a question for swim coaches and parents. When our kids have huge dreams, should we tell them what is realistic and reasonable? Or, do encourage them to dream?

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Swim Mom: Six Reasons Why Swimming is a Great Family Sport

If you’re looking for something active and fun to do together as a family there are many choices like running, skiing, hiking, golf, tennis, and yes, swimming. Kids naturally love to be in the pool and it makes us old folks feel good, too.

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SwimMom Musings: What is a Swim Mom?

On Mother’s Day, we tend to reflect on the myriad roles we play in the lives of our children.

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3 Reasons Why Swim Parents Are Happy and Positive

In a thin book, thick with advice, called 11 Habits of Happy and Positive Sports Parents, sports parenting expert Janis B. Meredith explores why some parents sit in the stands happy while others are negative and complaining. Here are three of my favorite habits from her list of 11 habits of happy sports parents.

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Swim Mom Musings: Being a Person of Character

Whether you are Olympic bound, swimming in the NCAA or just enjoying high school or summer swim, the most important ideal that you must embrace is: Be a Person of Character.

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Swim Mom: Can Perseverance and Grit Be Taught?

Two outstanding traits of swimmers are perseverance and grit. We hear those words tossed around the pool deck, but what exactly do they mean and is it possible to help our kids gain those traits?

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A Letter to the Swim Community from Panama City, Florida

Two weeks ago, Panama City, Florida and the surrounding area were hit by one of the strongest Hurricanes to ever make landfall on the United States. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many members of the swim community who have reached out to us in this time of need.

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Shout From the Stands: Gone Too Soon

Before losing you I’d never cherished swimming, running, school, or held onto the gift of life so tightly until the day I heard you had passed and watched balloons fly to the sky in your memory.

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Shout From the Stands: The Transfer

It’s okay the decision you made did not work out as you planned and a new one is upon you. This is your journey, and your athletic career.

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SwimMom Musings: Be an Original

As I am preparing to become a college swim mom and people are asking me about whether year-round swimming is worth it.

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SwimMom Musings: It’s All About Family

Perhaps more than any other sport, swimming is truly a family affair.

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Shout from the Stands: What’s Missing from the Hazing Conversation

Hazing still occurs all over the country even with efforts such as anti-hazing contracts, education, warnings, and consequences. So, what are we missing?

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Shout from the Stands: Fluidity Over Force

In swimming, going with the flow is both proverbial and literal as the water works with you or against you.

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