It Takes a Village: The Support System of a Swimmer
When I look back on my swimming career, the milestones and medals are clear—but what stands out even more is the incredible network of support that helped get me there. My parents volunteered as officials, drove countless miles to early morning practices and late-night meets, and never stopped believing in me—even when I struggled to believe in myself. My coaches, often running on little more than coffee and passion, were there through every high and low, pushing me to grow both in and out of the pool. And my teammates—more like family than friends—became my foundation, offering laughter, motivation, and unwavering support day in and day out.
Behind every swimmer who touches the wall first, there is an invisible current of support that helps carry them there. While we often celebrate the best time, the medal, or the record, the truth is that champions aren’t built in isolation—they are built by communities.
Swimming, perhaps more than any other sport, depends on a village. It begins in the earliest years, when a parent signs their child up for swim lessons. It’s the 5 a.m. commutes, the soaked towels in the backseat, and the volunteer timers lining the pool deck every weekend. These early moments lay the foundation for greatness. Coaches play a pivotal role in an athlete’s life. They are part strategist, part motivator, part mentor. The best coaches do more than write sets; they help young swimmers believe in what’s possible. They show up not just with stopwatches, but with heart, resilience, and unwavering belief. And their impact lasts far beyond swimming. Ask any Olympian, and they’ll tell you about the coach who changed their life, not just their stroke.
The community stretches beyond the lanes. It includes strength coaches, nutritionists, and physical therapists who help athletes stay strong and healthy. It includes teachers and tutors who extend deadlines and offer encouragement. It includes teammates who race beside you at practice and uplift you when the dream seems out of reach.
Perhaps one of the most underappreciated roles in this sport is the one played by officials, administrators, and volunteers. The parents who serve on booster clubs or run the concession stand, the meet directors who work tirelessly to make sure competitions run smoothly—all of them contribute to the athlete experience in ways that often go unnoticed. Their service creates the environments in which champions can thrive.
As swimmers progress, their circle often widens. Club coaches hand off athletes to colleges, often staying in touch and cheering from afar. LSC administrators help young swimmers and coaches navigate junior nationals, Olympic Trials, and beyond. National team staff provide world-class support—but they, too, rely on the foundational work of local coaches and communities.
We cannot forget the role of fans and younger swimmers watching from the stands. Their cheers, their posters, their wide-eyed awe—they remind us all why we do this. A swimmer’s success can spark belief in an entire generation. Just look back at the footage from this past
Olympic Trials—stands full of fans and future Olympians who weren’t just watching races, they were dreaming bigger with every stroke they saw. That kind of inspiration ripples outward, fueling the next wave of champions long before they ever dive into the water.
So the next time you see a swimmer take the podium, remember this: their journey was not a solo sprint. It was a relay of support. Every coach, parent, teammate, and volunteer played a leg. And while only one name may appear on the scoreboard, the win belongs to all of them.
In swimming, the lane may be narrow—but the path to greatness is wide, and it’s paved by a community that cares and this is a thank you to all who make the sport of swimming so great.