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Original poster

Sports Talent Lost :(

112 replies

CoronaLonaNameChange · 22/04/2020 19:21

So DS is a talented swimmer. He's 8 and was training 4 times a week pre Corona.

Now there is NO swimming :( We can't afford to buy a pool.

He's running to keep fit, but by the time he gets back in the pool he'll have lost a year, not to mention fitness and upper body strength. He'll be a year behind :( and then he'll have to get slowly back to where he was (not expecting he'll be straight back in and take off where he left off).

So sad for him. He misses his swimming soooooo much and running just isn't the same, though he is motivated to stay fit as he's competitive and doesn't want to loose his fitness for swimming. It's not the same though.

I'm so sad for all those little kids that were doing well and will now be behind :( And it's not just swimming - gymnastics, triathlon, boxing, etc... :(

OP posts:
Original poster
CoronaLonaNameChange · 22/04/2020 21:52

1forsorrow - my DH and I were really worried about injuries and things like that, but coaches reassured that with swimming it's quite unlikely as it's non impact. Most likely injury is shoulders, but he varies strokes at every practice which keeps that risk minimal. He's also built up very slowly and gradually over the last 4 years. In the end we decided if it makes him happy now, and the likelihood of injury is low, then we should just let him do what he loves. It can be hard to decide what the best thing to do is as a parent. I think we've made the right call for now as he is never happier than when in the pool. Like I say, it's not my thing! Nor is it my DH or other DCs thing! But DS just seems to be drawn to water. 🤷 (so it's sad he can't be in the water now) ...

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Comefromaway · 22/04/2020 21:52

To be fair my daughter knew she wanted to be a dancer at the age of 8, her first professional performance was at that age and by 11 she was training full time.

BUT there is a lot of research that children should not do one sport/dance and it is better for them to do a range.

pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/106/1/154

Stuffofawesome · 22/04/2020 21:55

twitter.com/sharrond62/status/1252600275132710914?s=21

Sennetti · 22/04/2020 21:56

It’s your job to manage his expectations and divert his interests elsewhere

Original poster
CoronaLonaNameChange · 22/04/2020 21:56

1forsorrow - sorry missed your next post.

Yes, he might hate swimming when he's 14. Fair enough, he can just stop it then!! I'd rather let him swim now that stop him doing what he wants and resent me later for what could have been.

Like I said, this parenting thing is hard! I'm not pushing him to do something he doesn't want do (there are kids in his club who don't look happy to be there), but DS has led this, and when he is in the pool he has a massive smile on his face the whole time! If that changes and he starts not enjoying it, I'll be the first to say, 'well stop then! Go play football instead! Or go to coding club! Or hang out with a girlfriend, or whatever!!'

:)

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Poppi89 · 22/04/2020 21:59

I don’t know why people are mocking the child’s age. Phelps was holding national records for his age group by the time he was nine years old.

Because at 8 years old even after the pandemic is over they will still hopefully have time to carry on swimming.

Original poster
CoronaLonaNameChange · 22/04/2020 22:01

Comfromaway - he only swims 4 times a week - there is time for other stuff :) he also cycles, plays football with his friends and does PE at school. But swimming is the highlight of the week for him and something he really loves.

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TheHumansAreDefinitelyDead · 22/04/2020 22:03

I totally get what you mean

But your son is not alone, it will be the same for his peers

My son got through to the nationals u18 for his sport, very exciting, but it was cancelled. He will be too old for u18 next time

It’s a shame, but not the end of the world

At 8 your son can still be(come) a sports talent!

PS have you seen Sex Education? Are you Jackson’s mum?! GrinWink

tenlittlecygnets · 22/04/2020 22:04

He’s 8! You have no idea if he’ll be any good next year... or he might go off it and want to take up football.

I thought you were talking about our Olympic athletes, who have been training for years for Tokyo this summer. I really feel sorry for them.

My son is a 15yo county runner. He won’t have any time trials or competitions this summer but everyone is in the same boat!!

Do get a grip!

1forsorrow · 22/04/2020 22:05

Yes, he might hate swimming when he's 14. Fair enough, he can just stop it then!! I'd rather let him swim now that stop him doing what he wants and resent me later for what could have been. But you asked why I thought it was sad so I told you. You don't have to think the same as me but by the same token I don't have to think the same as you.

I'm not sure why it needs to be "what could have been" he's 8, if he found a passion for swimming at 10 would people write him off?

Original poster
CoronaLonaNameChange · 22/04/2020 22:07

TheHumans - sorry your son will miss out on the U18s :( it's really sad for them all :(

(I haven't see sex education! I'm curious now though....so will check out who Jackson is. I don't think I'm his mum!)

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AdoptedBumpkin · 22/04/2020 22:08

It is a shame. Lockdown is affecting every aspect of life. It's natural for him to be disappointed.

MrsPeacockInTheLibrary · 22/04/2020 22:11

Join the open water swimming group on facebook. People are buying paddling pools (big ones) and swimming with a bungee. Trust me, it works! Probably there are videos!

Original poster
CoronaLonaNameChange · 22/04/2020 22:11

1forsorrow - sorry, didn't mean to sound like I don't respect your opinion.i thought you were implying that swimming 4 days a week was too much and perhaps it wasn't led by him! Just thoight I'd put my side!! Fair enough, happy for you to think whatever you want! :)

I just meant, I don't want him to say when he's 14 - mummy why didn't you let me swim, I really resent you for stopping me doing what I loved. I could have been so happy but you wouldn't let me. I'd rather let him swim now than resent me later. I understand if parents don't do this though - as I said, parenting is hard. I don't know I'm doing it right. I feel I am making the right choice in letting him swim, but I might not be.

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Whoopsmahoot · 22/04/2020 22:20

My heart bleeds. My child has missed the last 2 years of school and social life due to illness - the last day they attended school was July last year. Golf, football and tennis all went by the wayside. Devastating for him but was physically unable to leave bed. Christ knows what the future holds - count your blessings.

Original poster
CoronaLonaNameChange · 22/04/2020 22:21

Sorry whoopsmahoot - hope you DC is feeling better now and in recovery/recovered Flowers

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puffinandkoala · 22/04/2020 22:22

My son got through to the nationals u18 for his sport, very exciting, but it was cancelled. He will be too old for u18 next time

Not sure what sport your son does, but for athletics there are a couple of petitions out for this year's U17 age group to be included next year as they lost out. My son was lucky enough to compete for England last year, he would have been so upset if it had been this year.

orangeicecream · 22/04/2020 22:23

My swim DS is almost 14.... He was training 10-12 hours a week... Now its yoga, running and HIIT. He knows it's going to be hard work to get back to where he was pre lockdown but he is in the same boat as everyone else....so all will be trying to regain fitness. Your boy is 8 he has a looooonnng road of swimming pools in front of him. Good luck 🍀

Original poster
CoronaLonaNameChange · 22/04/2020 22:25

Thanks orange! Good luck to your DS too Smile

OP posts:
CoronaIsComing · 22/04/2020 22:38

But... he’s eight.

Original poster
CoronaLonaNameChange · 22/04/2020 22:43

CoronaIsComing ... and your point is?

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PomBearsyummy · 22/04/2020 22:57

Talent isnt lost. Fitness perhaps but not talent.

nevergoingoutagain · 22/04/2020 22:57

My kids are bowlers, climbers and dancers (one of each not all) and my youngest literally just learnt to swim like 2 weeks before lockdown. I'm expecting huge setbacks but as pp said they'll all be in the same boat 🤷🏻‍♀️ my climber is getting her arm strength workout on the rope swing in the woods where we walk everyday so I suppose that's something!

boredboss · 22/04/2020 23:16

My kids are older (teens) and both compete at regional / national level in different sports.

Whilst it is a shame that they will both 'miss out' on age group opportunities i.e. training hard all year for big u15 / u18 age competitions which are cancelled, and they'll have moved up an age group by the time this is over, they both understand that this is a serious situation and all their peers are in the same boat.

It's small fry compared to Olympians with such a specifically timed training program and as PPs have said quite bonkers to worry about an 8 year old.

As long as they are keeping fit & active they'll be fine, there are much more important things to worry about at the moment.

catscatscatseverywhere · 22/04/2020 23:30

Yes, I feel for you. I wasn't driving for 4 weeks. It's a shame, I feel like I lost my chance to be F1 driver... Another talent lost.

Confused