Every youth sport has its parents in the stands, but swim dads are their own kind...
They're up before dawn, sitting at a hot, loud pool for hours to watch a race that may last a minute. My dad was one of them. Whatever he had on his plate, he found a way to be there. He never missed a race. He loves this sport. He'd swum himself: summer club, YMCA, high school, and coached a few summers. To this day, he is an elite meet strategy nerd.
I never felt pressured to perform for his sake. What he cared about were the parts of our sport that shape a kid: the work ethic, sacrifice for the team, the goals, the community. Instead of coaching me (which he was qualified to do) he poured his energy into our teams: running the starter, officiating, organizing and helping with whatever needed doing. When I made a career out of the sport we both love, I like to think it made him proud.
Just yesterday I took the baton when my 8 year old daughter swam in her first swim meet. I watched with pride and nerves. Channeling my father, I ignored the one-hand touch on her breaststroke and fought the urge to give race feedback. I hugged her, told her how proud I am of her, and shared in her joy.
I sent my father photos afterward (he wanted the race videos too) and his reply echoed the advice he gave me 35 years ago: "enjoy every minute."
So to all the swim dads, mine especially, happy Father's Day.
Coach Jeff
