37 Thoughts Swim Fans Have from the Stands

37 Thoughts Swim Fans Have from the Stands (Archive)

By Chandler Brandes

This past weekend I did something I have never done before: I watched my first swim meet.

Technically, I have watched hundreds of swim meets before, but always from the deck as either a swimmer racing or as a coach. Last weekend, however, I got to actually watch.

As a newly-retired swimmer, I drove down to see my former teammates compete at their conference championship meet. Decked out in my school colors as always, I got to experience swimming and diving from a new perspective– as a fan in the stands.

Here are 37 thoughts fans have when watching swimming and diving:

I need to make sure I get there at least thirty minutes early.
I actually have to pay to watch people swim back and forth?
Must. Find. Best. Seat.
Good thing I didn’t leave my highlighters at home so I can mark up the heat sheet.
Wow, their warmup is taking FOREVER. When will this meet finally begin?
I wonder which is more boring: watching warmup or swimming warmup?
Okay, here we go. First event.
First event is over, only a few more to go.
*two hours later*
Alright, now we only have a few events left!
I wonder what their coach is saying to them.
Can that swimmer move? I’m trying to read the coach’s lips.
Why is that kid crying? Their swim wasn’t that bad.
My team just out-touched that other team. HA.
I’m not even swimming but the smell of chlorine will be on me for days.
Only a 6? But that dive looked like a perfect 10 from here!
How is diving even scored?
That dive was for sure a 10.
Why is Meet Mobile not refreshing?
The announcer keeps mispronouncing names, I should do his job.
Is it as hot up here as it is on deck?
Alright, Meet Mobile is officially broken.
I’d much rather be sitting up here than swimming the mile…
Only lap 31? We’re not even halfway done?
Jeez, this pool looks so long from this angle.
If I cheer loud enough, they will definitely hear me.
Meet Mobile is back up! Thank goodness for this app.
Oh boy, that swimmer in lane five is struggling…
KICK! USE YOUR LEGS!
Oh my gosh, I can’t watch this anymore.
GO FASTER, THEY’RE CATCHING UP TO YOU!
WHY CAN’T THEY HEAR ME?
Alright, I have to sit back down. The people behind me are mad that they can’t see.
Oh my gosh, I’m so nervous.
If I’m this nervous, I can’t even imagine how they must be feeling.
MY TEAM IS BETTER THAN YOUR TEAM.
Wow, I am so proud of my team.

Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

All commentaries are the opinion of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Swimming World Magazine nor its staff.

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15 Comments

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Laura Meyer Schneiweis

6 years ago

Bridgette Ulzheimer …some of these are totally what we are thinking while sitting at the hot pool for hours.

Bridgette Ulzheimer

6 years ago

Reply to Laura Meyer Schneiweis

I can’t wait to paint my face

Christine Marie

6 years ago

Lol Kim Benjamin this is all of us at meets!

Kim Benjamin

6 years ago

Reply to Christine Marie

5 9, 19, 29, 30, 31, 32, 34, 35, I’m dying!!! ???

Jenny Cmc

6 years ago

Why is meet mobile not refreshing ?

Sarah Joy Haley

6 years ago

Maureen Tom Haleyy can you relate to these? ☺️

Maureen Tom Haley

6 years ago

Reply to Sarah Joy Haley

Haha I can certainly relate!??

Rachael Lawrence

6 years ago

Jennifer Litchfield

Susan M-h

6 years ago

#19 stellar!

Len Lanetti

6 years ago

Front row if you can sit. Back row if you must stand. Turn flash on camera off. Take picture of nothing before heats start to make sure flash on camera is turned off. Shout equally hard for everyone. Remember to bring Halls cough drops.

Cyndie Bailey

6 years ago

Awesome! I know at least half of these went through my mind last weekend. That’s why I don’t like sitting in the stands!! Need to work and be distracted!

Cheryl Rice

6 years ago

Denise Kraus Douglas , you nailed it! Gotta share ?

Matt Hanna

3 years ago

#1 thought from fans, why is it so darn hot in here!!!!

dscott

1 year ago

Chandler, thank you so much for another lessing in the importance and value in perspective. And iin support.

dscott

1 year ago

Lesson…