Courtesy of Elizabeth Wickham
It was never our intention to become a swim family, it’s something that just happened throughout the years. I’m convinced that swimming has added to the fabric of our lives and is partially responsible for our children’s character. We’ve been enriched with memories of practices, meets, volunteering, serving on boards, planning banquets and fun activities for our kids and fellow swim parents. This time of year is perfect to reflect on how grateful I am to have swimming in my life.
Here are eight reasons why I’m thankful for swimming:
ONE
I’m thankful for the strength swimming has given my kids—both mentally and physically.
TWO
I’m thankful for the friendships my children have made through swimming and the friends I’ve made, as well.
THREE
I’m thankful that swimming has taught my kids perseverance, grit and how to work for goals.
FOUR
I’m thankful for swimming because it’s pushed me out of my comfort zone and off the blocks.
FIVE
I’m thankful for the physicality of swimming and the sense of accomplishment I feel after completing a hard work out.
SIX
I’m thankful that swimming has helped my kids learn to handle the ups and downs in the pool and that will help prepare them for life.
SEVEN
I’m thankful for the coaches, referees and administrators who dedicate their time to others.
EIGHT
I’m thankful for all the parents who support their children and their teams financially—and with their valuable time–to help them be successful.
Why are you thankful for swimming in your lives?
Elizabeth Wickham volunteered for 14 years on her kids’ club team 
as board member, fundraiser, newsletter editor and “Mrs. meet manager.” She’s a writer with a bachelor of arts degree in editorial journalism from the University of Washington with a long career in public relations, marketing and advertising. Her stories have appeared in newspapers and magazines including the Los Angeles Times, Orange County Parenting and Ladybug. You can read more parenting tips on her blog.
Here I go:
1. It liberated me from living only one lifestyle throughout my entire existence.
2. It kept me focused and didn’t let me have unhealthy habits. The best part being, I try to keep it helthy because I want to.
3. It gave me an endurance I never thought possible after your 20’s. Yes, swimming keeps you young in so many ways!
4. Your mind becomes addicted to the sport. It’s a beautiful thing!!!
5. Too many reasons to list…discipline, competitive mind, feeling great, endorphines running wild, etc.
There’s this severely overweight kiddo who swims in the next lane, who consistently kick my butt. At UNM ladies & gentlemen well over 60, clocked much better times than mine.… Read more »
I am thankful for the change swimming brings to my own life – I have always been a night owl but in anticipation of my swimmer’s early morning practice, I began to change my routine. Now I can call myself an early bird, waking up before 4 am and finishing my exercises before 7 am. In addition to what the article has said, I am also very thankful for the good time management skills swimming has “taught” my child to gain, lifelong benefit.
I thankful for swimming as it gave me the opportunity to represent Australia at the Paralympics and win 5 gold medals and break 5 world records
I agree not only as a parent of past swimmers but as a swimmer myself and an official. What a great sport that gives so much to all.
I too am thankful for the many cities, states and countries I visited. Also I rarely needed to shower because swimming 4 hours a day made me squeaky clean.
Very nice piece, Elizabeth.
I’m very grateful to swimming because it is a LIFE-LONG SPORT. I swam at the age-group, high school, and college levels and enjoyed it thoroughly. But what I’ve really liked is my 40 year experience as a MASTERS SWIMMER. Fun people, fun exercise, and fun workouts!
Also, I’ve watched many men and women join the Masters ranks in their 30s, 40s, and 50s after their legs (or knees) gave out, and have delighted in their joy as they became accomplished (and fit) as adult swimmers.