I Retired From Swimming … Now What?

by SwimSwam Contributors 9

June 29th, 2021 Lifestyle

Courtesy: Alexa Kutch

I recently attended a bridal shower for a close friend who would soon start the next chapter of her life: marriage. As I got myself settled at a table with semi mutual friends, comments such as “That’s the swimmer!” or “Hey, you’re the swimmer” reminded me that I am distinctly recognizable. In a normal year, I would have been used to this recognition, but this particular interaction carried more weight because this was the first time I had been called a swimmer after declaring my retirement from the sport. Upon self-reflection, I soon realized that up until now, swimming had been my whole identity for the past 15 years and I was not mentally or emotionally ready to give that up. When you have dedicated your life to a sport like swimming, can you ever truly be ready for it to end?

With the conclusion of the Olympic Trials (which I attended), it was reported that a number of swimmers, whether amateur or professional, were hanging up their cap and goggles for one last time. In some instances, COVID-19 delayed the inevitability of moving on to the next chapter(s) of our lives. For me, the first step in this transition was appreciating my old identity and accepting my new one. Consequently, the second step would be understanding that this would not be a quick and easy process. After all, it can be hard to let go of something that has been such a steady norm in your life. The third step centered around allowing myself to mentally and physically regroup. With how strenuous of a commitment swimming can be, it was nice to finally have some time to let the mind refocus and the body recuperate.

A great and important way to gather your thoughts and emotions after retirement is through expressive reflection. Depending on how many years you have been involved with the sport might determine just how much reflecting you need. The great thing about reflection is that there are many different and creative ways that this can be done. And if there is one thing I have learned about swimmers over the years, it’s how smart and creative we really are! While I have chosen to write, others can choose to reflect through art (like making a swim T-shirt blanket) or through reading (perhaps an Olympic swimmer’s autobiography). No matter what way you choose to reflect, it is simply a relaxing and beneficial way to comfortably release feelings about your time as a swimmer and your upcoming adventure as a swammer.

Speaking of swammers, I love how this word has slowly made its way into the English language as a clear indication of one’s completion with the sport. A fun exercise I love to do as a recently declared swammer is going over the pros and cons of no longer swimming. I have provided my list below, but feel free to add your own!

Pros:

  • Never having to go through the physical and emotional toll of putting on a tech suit
  • Not being expected to wake up before the sun to jump into a freezing pool
  • Not having to miss out on social events because of practice or a meet
  • Being able to have a life after swimming

Cons:

  • Having to figure out how to work out on your own
  • Not being able to consume a copious amount of calories
  • Using swimming as an excuse to get out of things (you know you have done it)
  • Too much freedom and not knowing what to do with yourself #NARPlife

While the list of pros and cons may go on and on, there are a few lessons from the sport that will always stick with us. I think we can all agree that while the journey with the sport was never easy, it was definitely worth it. The stories, friendships, and life lessons swimming has given us is something we will carry with us for the rest of our lives. At the very least, we will never really be done with the sport; whether that be coaching on the pool deck, signing up to officiate a meet, or tuning in to watch the next generation of swimmers compete on the local, national, or global stage. At the end of the day, it’s taking pride in tackling a sport as draining yet rewarding as swimming.

ABOUT ALEXA KUTCH

Alexa Kutch is a recent graduate of Drexel University and a former student athlete of the Division I Drexel Swimming and Diving team. During her athletic career as a Dragon, Alexa was able to make history in the Colonial Athletic Conference, becoming the first woman swimmer to sweep the backstroke events all four years of eligibility. Additionally, she competed at high level meets such as the NCAA Swimming Championships, Phillips 66 National Championships, and US Olympic Trials. These accomplishments got her a nomination for the NCAA Woman of the Year. Having recently graduated from Drexel, she now coaches at Emmaus Aquatic Club and Emmaus High School. She plans on beginning her career as a secondary English teacher in the upcoming Fall.

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Terry Watts
3 years ago

One day you will look back and say “swimming is what I did as a kid”. It may define you now, but it does not define who you may become. Travel the world, fall in and out of love, find a new perspective, fill you soul with new meaning. Basically, Live Life.

And when you get married and have 6yo kids breaking records, you can relive those glory days in the pool…

Gina Rosa
3 years ago

This…so proud of you Lex. As a parent of a swimmer , I can so relate. Can’t wait to see where your life leads!!

WahooSwimFan
3 years ago

Pros:

  • Never having to go through the physical and emotional toll of putting on a tech suit [-true, but as you age, finding a Speedo that fits becomes tough, and your kids will tell you “ewe Dad/Mom you shouldn’t wear that suit” even if you manage to find one\
  • Not being expected to wake up before the sun to jump into a freezing pool [No, but if you opt to workout with masters, many masters teams also workout early am to accommodate working masters and coaches with jobs that pay – so it never ends, it just gets harder to drag yourself out of bed at 4:30-5:00 am]
  • Not having to miss out on social events because of practice
… Read more »

Recent swammer's mom
Reply to  WahooSwimFan
3 years ago

I’m pretty sure that Alexa is aware of both the virtues of masters swimming and that there are ways to have a busy life (including parenting, which you assume everyone has interest in) without competitive swimming in it. Maybe just give her a moment to get used to her new life as a swammer. Everything she says rings true to the countless people who retire from swimming each year after spending their entire childhood and young adulthood in the pool.

David Guthrie
3 years ago

Or….if you love the water, you can just keep swimming.

Jordanwins2golds
Reply to  David Guthrie
3 years ago

masters?????

David Guthrie
Reply to  Jordanwins2golds
3 years ago

Sure. Masters and/or USA. They’re not mutually exclusive. Choose whatever fits your lifestyle and goals. I’m looking forward to the day when these organizations cease to operate as silos that artificially segregate the swimming family. We don’t teach kids that this is an amazing activity they can enjoy, compete in at a high level well into middle age (which continually gets pushed later), and benefit from their entire lives. Swimming is so much more than a sport. It truly is a community and a lifestyle.

David Guthrie
Reply to  Jordanwins2golds
3 years ago

I’m a few days shy of 61 years old and here’s part of my story: I “retired” from swimming after the 84 Trials and immediately started competing in cycling and triathlons. I never stopped competing, but I did take an extended and much needed break from the grind in the pool. After an 8 year hiatus from swimming competition (that I assumed was permanent), I eventually found my way back into the water. It was essential for me to shed the burden of mandatory work loads and redefine my expectations and relationship to the sport. In order to embrace its rigors and develop a sustainable practice, training had to be on my terms. And I work hard, but I’ve never… Read more »

Last edited 3 years ago by David Guthrie
Jazzy
3 years ago

Congratulations, and good luck on your next chapter.