The amount of times I have had to use this line and miss something because of swimming is uncanny. Swimmers and athletes alike have to show such dedication to their sport. It requires putting the time in to train and scheduling most everything else around it. It has to be a priority because you and your team depend on the time you put in to get better.
“Why can’t you just skip?” everyone asks.
Well, it’s not so simple. Our coaches would be disappointed if we skipped for no good reason, our teammates would be annoyed, and we ourselves would feel guilty. We signed up for this and we know what it takes. Yes, I can really only speak for myself and most of the swimmers that I know, and yes, I know plenty of swimmers who skip practice for no good reason. However, that’s the exception to the rule in my experience. Most of us want to be in the pool and want to get better.
Yes, I have missed out on a lot of other opportunities but I chose this sport and I choose it every time I bring myself to a practice. I wouldn’t have it any other way. So, sorry, I can’t. I have swim practice.
Project Me - Alex Truby 