Often, while waiting to start my workouts, I stop to notice how the people on the side of the pool observe the lessons and what’s going on in the pool.
Next to me, with tired but satisfied facial expressions, sit the parents of the protagonists. I sometimes stop to chat with them and I’m always fascinated by how they tell me about their busy lives which are both exhausting but also filled with joy and pride.
Every family revolves around tight and well-organized schedules. One evening though, a trainer stops a parent and tells them that their child is doing well and suggests that they start “professional swimming”. This is a moment in which the parent is extremely satisfied and they realise that their lives are about to change radically.
Being the parent of a swimmer doesn’t only mean being there for their victories, seeing their bodies change in a healthy and proportional way and their minds forging into disciplined young athletes.
Being the parent of a swimmer is hard and exhausting and means a lot of sacrifice. While other kids wake up just before having to go to school, most parents of swimmers wake up before the athletes themselves to prepare their breakfasts, while the rest of the city and co-workers are fast asleep. Each day, they pack…
