Profile of the Talent-Maximized Swimmer

• Has 100 percent attendance at practice sessions
• Does not arrive late or leave early from competitions or training
• Does not need to be instructed or reminded more than once
• Incorporates both a team and an individual approach to their sport
• Loves to race
• Loves the sport and is committed to it
• Has an open mind and believes that anything is possible
• Has great self-esteem and confidence developed by exposure to and success in defeating challenges and obstacles---and, in fact, enjoys the higher and more difficult challenges
• Always does more than the coach asks
• Has learned and practiced the ability of self-promotion but understands that confidence, not arrogance, is a key factor in performance
• Is very honest in self-assessment of training and competition
• Is competent in turning both ways (left to right and vice versa) in training and competitions
• Practices difficult breathing patterns
• Pulls with bottom arm first in freestyle
• Can keep track of intervals without assistance from a coach or other swimmers
• Can repeat exact stroke counts and specific predetermined times with even splits and efficient strokes
• Is prepared with a water bottle and all training equipment at each workout
• Carries at all times two suits, two caps, two pair of goggles and so forth
• Advises the coach of any illness or injury before training or competition
• Is capable of fruitfully using his or her free time to enhance training or competition performance
• Consistently offers the coach feedback on technique, training repeats, best times or sets, heart rates and so forth
• Practices good self-management in all areas of life, understanding that focusing on solutions is always better than focusing on problems
• Practices quality nutritional habits at all times, especially during competition and travel