Competitive Opportunities: Age Group Swimming

One of the benefits of your USA Swimming membership is the privilege of being able to compete in swim meets across the country. When you’re first starting out, though, you will probably participate in competitions a little closer to home.
 
There are many different kinds of meets you can participate in, but most age groupers will probably be competing in local invitationals. These invitationals are usually held over the weekend and hosted by a nearby club – maybe even your own.
 
There are typically anywhere between 150 and 1,000 swimmers competing at these invitationals. That’s a lot of people, but there’s no reason to be scared. Your coach will be there with you to make sure you survive the experience, and your parents will probably be there to cheer you on.
 
With so many swimmers competing, some will be very fast, and some will be beginners like you. Don’t be nervous. These meets are set up so that you are racing against kids your own age and pretty close to the same ability.
 
At most meets, you’ll have the opportunity to win awards like ribbons or medals. But if you don’t win right away, don’t give up.
 
Remember, some of the USA’s top swimmers like Michael Phelps and Natalie Coughlin started out swimming at these local invitationals just like you, and they probably didn’t win their first races, either. The great thing about swimming is that you’re competing against yourself more than against anyone else. As long as you keep improving your swimming skills, you’re getting better, and maybe someday it will be you standing on top of the medals podium.