DS2 is almost seven, he's been on his local swim team, a summer only team since he was five. He usually comes in first or second but they're more fun races than actually competitive and the pool of competition isn't that wide iyswim.
We've been approached by a coach that works for another swim team, who saw DS swim recently and want's him to come to a trial they're having for their junior team.
The swim team is in the next town over, it's a 30 min drive, it's much bigger and much more competitive, coach said kids under 10 are expected to do training outside the pool as well as two 2 hour sessions during the week in the pool for under 8's and the amount of sessions would grow depending on the child once they turned 8.
It's also year round with only a few weeks off here and their instead of just for the summer.
Coach kept naming Olympian swimmers that had trained there at one point or another as children, I know nothing about the olympics, so this really didn't mean anything to me but it's clear that it's a very serious team who expect kids to pull their weight.
DS wants to go to the trial, DH is more excited then he is, but it honestly seems like a lot of effort & pressure for swimming.
We have 2 teens, we both work full time, I can't even imagine where we'll find the time to make sure DS trains outside the pool or what that would even entail.
I don't want to go the trial and waste everyone's time if we're just going to turn it down but I really don't think a small shot at the olympics is worth it.
AIBU?
To not want to raise an Olympian?
LeytonPolo · 03/08/2016 00:53
No-one does well in sport without effort and pressure 
He's 7, he's been invited to trial for the junior team. He's obviously talented but that is a long, long way from the Olympics. At this point, if he is keen it would be massively unreasonable to prevent him from doing it, and likely to foster a huge amount of resentment. My DM prevented me from doing something I really wanted to; I didn't ever really forgive her. Do you want to risk that happening? He's got plenty of time to drop out between now and whichever Olympics he might qualify for if it all gets too much or he loses interest.
For now, its a bit of ferrying about and encouragement to maintain a general level of fitness. The teens will become increasingly independent. If DH is enthusiastic he may volunteer for the taxi service. It probably won't affect you much at all. If DS wants to do it, I think you should let him have a go.
This struck a chord as I read this article at stupid o'clock this morning:
www.bbc.com/news/uk-36956367
My sister was a high-level gymnast (competed British but not in the league of the Downey sisters). At the age of 6 she was training 4 days a week. By 12 it was 6 days then 7 if there were competitions. Either my parents or me (once I could drive) took her there - 40 minute drive or so then 3 hours sat watching; then the drive back or, in my case when I was older, coaching (background in dance).
But the thing was that she wanted to do it. The day she said she didn't want to was the day it stopped (long back story but starting at a different club when younger and not breaking both her ankles aged 12 and getting into boyfriends she could have gone far further).
It cost my parents a lot of money (subs, insurance, leotards, competition fees, handguards, physio etc.) and was one of the main reasons I couldn't continue with university.
I was also friends with a current Paralympian whose parents gave up so much to get her to where she is now (can't name sport as it will out her, not me) but that also involved training at stupid o'clock in the morning.
They also supported the younger (of the three) siblings in their sporting pursuits. (The middle one, as far as I am aware, couldn't have cared less).
But I do still remember the father shouting in public at the youngest for "failing" at something which I still remember now, 25+ years on.
My DD has potential in a few things (which I never had although I was fairly good at javelin). I'm still hopeful of the 1,500m and she's sat through Kelly Holmes on Youtube a few times 
If there is something she decides she is going to set her mind to, I'd drive her anywhere needed and get up whatever time it is.
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Absolutely take him to the trial (assuming he really wants to go) and see what happens from there - encouraging sporting ability can only be a good thing when we are such a nation of couch potatoes. My DS plays a sport at a relatively high level (no where near Olympian standard 
) and I am delighted for him - it has made him lots of friends, given him good role models and given him something to focus on apart from the computer & TV.
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