Swimmers have an abundant amount of everyday issues to face. That much is clear. How about when we combine the constant struggles of lactic acid buildup, annoying lane mates or difficult sets with the outside world, though? What are some of the hardships faced by swimmers who are also full time students?
Probably the hardest thing about being a student athlete is that people underestimate how truly exhausting it is. By the time our fellow classmates wake up to start getting ready for their day, we have already swam an entire workout. By the end of our first class, we have already been awake twice as long as the students sitting next to us. When the bell rings at the end of the day, our classmates get to go home to relax or get started on studying while we head back to the pool for round two. And by the time they are finished their homework and ready to head to bed, we are just getting home and starting ours.
The daily exhaustion that comes hand in hand with being a student athlete means the constant battle to stay awake in class. Particularly monotonous teachers can easily lull us to sleep, especially if it’s after a hard morning workout. We are strategic in knowing the best desks that optimize comfort for in-class naps, and have distinguished which…
