5 things every young swimmer should know about progress

When you’re a swimmer, it’s easy to think progress only means one thing: getting faster. But the truth is, there’s so much more to becoming a great swimmer than what the stopwatch says. 

We want every swimmer to know that progress comes in many forms and sometimes the most important gains can’t be measured in seconds.

Getting stronger counts as progress 

Even if your time stays the same, if you’re completing tougher sets, lifting heavier in dryland, or recovering quicker; that’s progress. You’re becoming more powerful and better equipped for future performance. 

Improving technique is progress 

Fixing a breathing pattern, holding a better streamline, or learning to kick properly on turns may not give you instant time drops but they’re setting you up for big gains later. These small technical wins are the building blocks of long-term speed. 

Learning to cope with pressure is progress 

Handling nerves before a race. Bouncing back after a DQ. Keeping calm when things don’t go your way. These are skills that will make you a stronger athlete (and person). Mental progress is just as important as physical progress. 

Being more consistent is progress 

Progress isn’t always flashy. Showing up for training, even when you’re tired. Doing the work. Staying focused. These habits might feel ordinary but they’re what build champions. 

Having more fun is also progress 

If you’re enjoying swimming more, feeling more confident, and building friendships; that’s a big win. The more you love the sport, the more likely you are to stick with it and success follows those who stay the course. 

Conclusion 

So if your PB hasn’t budged in a while, don’t be discouraged. Ask yourself: What else is getting better? As coaches we see the whole swimmer, not just the stopwatch. And we’ll keep reminding you that every step forward counts. 

"Progress isn’t always about going faster; it’s about going forward, in every way that matters."