TC's ten commandments for swimmers

Because champions are built on discipline, respect, and showing up.  

1. Thou shalt arrive on time (or even early). 

Warm-up starts the second training begins, not five minutes after. Respect your coach, your team, and your own goals by being ready. 

2. Thou shalt bring all thy gear. 

No fins = no drills. Always pack your bag the night before and check your list. Goggles, cap, wet bag, water bottle, towel and dry clothes to go home in! 

3. Thou shalt not mess around in the water. 

The pool is your training ground, not a splash zone. Stay focused, stay sharp, and save the jokes for dryland. 

4. Thou shalt trust thy coach (even when they shout). 

Sometimes coaches raise their voices not because they’re angry, but because they care. Feedback isn’t personal. It’s how you grow. 

5. Thou shalt give 100%, even on tough days. 

Not every session will feel amazing. But showing up and trying your best anyway? That’s where champions are made. 

6. Thou shalt listen more than thou talketh. 

Coaches don’t repeat instructions for fun. Listen carefully, focus during sets, and use feedback to get better. 

7. Thou shalt not complain (too much). 

Yes, your legs are sore. Yes, the water is cold. But you’re strong, and you’ve got this. 

8. Thou shalt support thy teammates. 

Cheer them on. High-five after races. Be the kind of swimmer you would want to train with. 

9. Thou shalt own thy mistakes. 

False start? DQ'd? Missed the interval? It happens. Own it, learn from it, and move forward. That’s how real growth happens. 

10. Thou shalt remember why thou started. 

Swimming is tough but it’s also fun, rewarding, and full of magic. Never forget the joy that got you into the pool in the first place.