The 2024-2025 Platteview Swim team is currently entering into the second half of their season. The swimmers are dedicated to losing time in their events. The swimmers participate in a variety of different events and have to prepare diligently for each. Due to the variety of differences in the events, there are numerous different methods to prepare for different events. While there is overlap, these differentiating methods of preparation help with each event.
Most of the preparation for events happens during practices. Due to the wide range of events swimmers compete in, practices typically use methods that benefit the most events at once. Additionally, practices are split into sets. Clara Guenther (12) said “Practice typically has a stroke set, and the practices will alternate between stamina and sprint practices.” The sprint sets aid the short races the best, whereas the stamina sets help the long distance swimmers the best.
Swimmers also prepare at the meet itself. The preparations at the meet are more mental than physical. Before each race, most swimmers are behind the blocks and getting their mindset prepared for the race ahead. The swimmers often shake out their limbs. There is a lot going through their heads. Brayden Neujahr (12) said, “I just go into my race with a confident attitude and think of my game plan on how to win my race.”
Swimming is an incredibly difficult sport. The slightest mistake can lead to a loss. Swimming is physically and mentally demanding. Brayden Neujahr (12) advises, “Swim is a difficult sport because it’s physically exhausting and requires perfection so don’t get mad when it doesn’t go right. It takes time to get good at swim. Eat healthy, go to practice, and stretch.”
