The Unseen Nerves Behind Every Swim: A Community of Jitters
When I swam, I was an emotional athlete—my highs were high, and my lows were low. Looking back, I thought that nothing could replicate the intensity of the nerves I experienced before a race. The racing heart, the sweaty palms, the tension that gripped my stomach as my race neared. I was convinced that nothing could ever bring that level of excitement again. But I was wrong.
In the pool, I was the one in control. The nerves I felt were directly tied to my performance and the outcome of the race. I never really understood why my parents seemed just as nervous as I did before my events. After all, they weren’t the ones swimming the race—so why did they feel that same tightness in their chests?
Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick
As time went on and my younger brother’s swimming career took off, I began to see my parents’ anxiety in a new light. Five years after I retired from competitive swimming, I realized that my nerves hadn’t gone away—they had only shifted. Now, as I watch my brother race, I find myself experiencing new levels of anxiety. During his silver medal performance in the 800 freestyle at the Paris Olympics, my heart rate spiked to 147—and I wasn’t even in the pool. The helplessness of watching someone you care about compete at such a high level, knowing you can’t influence the outcome, is agonizing.
It’s something we all feel for those we love. We stand by them through countless early mornings, tough practices, sacrifices, and the emotional rollercoaster of striving for big goals. As a swimmer, I used to only worry about my own performance. But from the stands, I found myself wishing I could skip to the end of the race—not to see whether he won a medal, but to know that he was proud of himself and happy with his race. I believe the uncertainty of watching a loved one compete can be as intense as racing itself.
Many people consider swimming an “individual sport,” but I would say otherwise. Every swimmer, regardless of their level or age, is supported by a community. Whether it’s the parents who drive them to every practice, the teammates who help them push through the grind, or the coaches who guide them along the way—swimming takes a village. The support system behind the swimmer is just as crucial as the effort of the swimmer themselves.
In fact, it’s easy for swimmers to get caught up in the pressure of individual performance. We often focus on the times, the places, and the immediate outcomes. But none of that is possible without the unwavering support of others. The teammates who cheer us on, the parents who make sacrifices so we can chase our goals, the friends who offer words of encouragement—all of these people contribute to our journey. They’re there for every high and every low, every breakthrough and every setback.
To the swimmers, remember to appreciate your parents, friends, teammates, and coaches. They’re the ones who stand by you through every success and every perceived failure, supporting you when things go well and lifting you up when they don’t. Every time you step onto the blocks, you’re not alone. You carry the support of those who believe in you, even when the journey is tough.
Courtesy: Summer Finke
To all the parents, coaches, teammates, and supporters who watch their loved ones swim—take a deep breath. I know how hard it is to sit by and wait for the race to unfold. The anxiety, the hopes, and the dreams for the swimmer are real. But know this: your support matters more than you think. Being there for them, cheering from the sidelines, means the world. It’s more than just watching a race; it’s being part of a journey that shapes a swimmer’s life and dreams.
So, to everyone involved in the sport—whether you’re the one swimming or the one cheering—take the time to enjoy the experience. These moments, both the tough and the rewarding, define the journey of swimming. The sacrifices made, the emotions shared, and the successes earned—these are the things that will stay with us. Keep breathing, keep supporting, and most importantly, keep celebrating the dreams that come true, both in the pool and beyond.