It’s easy to get stuck in your own mind and overthink everything before a meet. Your adrenaline pumps and your heart races. I used to space out and stare off into space as I waited for my event. I thought nobody would notice but I always got caught. *Whack* “Truby, stop overthinking,” my coach would say. He always saw right through me.
“Get out of your head”
Swimmers and other athletes are supposed to be a little anxious, but it’s a fine balance. I learned about the Yerkes-Dodson Human Performance and Stress Curve (shown above) through swimming and have applied it to the rest of my life.
I didn’t realize it at the time, but my coach helped shape me into a more resilient person. He tried to keep me positive and always pushed me to be the best I could be. The thing was, the coaches wouldn’t give you something they didn’t think you could do. You’re supposed to struggle, push harder, and succeed. I hope to teach swim lessons or coach one day because I know how impactful my coaches were on my life. Swimming doesn’t just teach someone how to swim or be athletic, it teaches someone how to be a better person, manage stress, and live well.
Project Me - Alex Truby 