Why I swim: My journey to Junior Vice Captain
"When I first started, I was really nervous... but the coaches and all of the other swimmers were so friendly and welcoming."
I started swimming in June of 2014 at the age of 7. My family originally started to get involved with the club when my sister joined, but I never really thought about starting until a teacher at my primary school encouraged a few of us to join pod squad. I remember when I first started, I was really nervous as I was quite shy back then and the thought of starting something new when i didn’t really know anyone scared me. But the coaches and all of the other swimmers were really friendly and welcoming.
During my time in development, I really struggled with my health and so I was in development for a lot longer than many of my friends. I was in and out of swimming for almost 2 years and this really impacted my fitness. Ever since then I have found it hard to keep up with the other swimmers and this really affected my confidence and self-belief... If it wasn’t for my parents and all the coaches on poolside I wouldn’t still be swimming today.
"My confidence has grown massively since I started."
I am so grateful to every single one of the coaches and poolside helpers who have helped me along my journey. They are all so encouraging and supportive no matter what you’re aiming to achieve. Whether you’re the fastest swimmer in the pool or the slowest, whether you’re aiming for nationals, or you’re first county time, if you always give 100%, they’re determined to help you get there.
Joining the club has given me so many opportunities, like Eindhoven, where we travelled to Holland for 3 days to compete with clubs from all over the world. It was an amazing experience that I would never have had the opportunity to do had I joined another sport.
My confidence has also grown massively since I started. For example, recently I was chosen to be girls junior vice captain. With this role, I get to help the coaches on poolside with the younger swimmers. A few years ago, I would never have had the confidence to help, now not only am I able to, but its something I really enjoy. I am so grateful to have this position as I have always wanted the opportunity to show some of the younger swimmers that while a little bit of competitiveness can be good, swimming is not just about winning and there are so many other amazing things that you can take out of your journey with the club, even if it isn’t loads of gold medals.
"The club has taught me so many skills that I know will be useful for me in the future like determination and resilience."
I have made many great friends through the club, and it has introduced me to people I would never of met otherwise, but wish to stay friends with for many years. I am so grateful for all the opportunities that Dolphins has given me. My time at the club has taught me so many skills that I know will be useful for me in the future like determination and resilience. I have learnt so much about myself along my journey and over my 7 years here I have really come out of my shell and grown as a person.
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