By Emily Messina, Swimming World College Intern
The NCAA meet is one of the most fascinating and intense meets in swimming, whether it be Division I, II, or III. It is exciting to watch the culmination of a very long season. You can not only enjoy the fast swims and broken records, but also appreciate the hours and sacrifices that these athletes have put in. Here are three reasons to follow the final meet of the collegiate season:
1. Impressive Swims
Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick
There were swimmers putting up insane times in all events and from all teams. There were record-breaking races from not just the number one swimmer, but also from the swimmers finishing in the second and third places.
It’s seriously cool to watch these incredible and seemingly impossible times. It’s also awesome to see swimmers doing it in multiple events in a meet that covers quite a few days. Some athletes are swimming upwards of six or seven events, and to hold the endurance and speed for that long is remarkable. There is nothing like watching someone achieve a goal that you know they have been chasing after and working hard for.
2. Improve Race Techniques and Strategy
Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick
These are the best collegiate swimmers. In some ways, they know what they are doing. In addition, their coaches have smart and successful ideas. Studying their stroke can allow you to pick up new styles that could really improve your own technique. By watching their races and examining their splits, you can see different strategies from all racers and teams. There’s a lot to learn from observing the tactics of others who are successful.
3. Great Interviews
Photo Courtesy: Caroline Kosciusko
It can be interesting to learn how some the fastest swimmers in college train, prepare, and race. Sometimes they provide light on their mindset coming into the meet and right before their events. They might also share things they do to get ready outside of the pool. Swimming World compiles these great interviews into meet playlists.
Some interesting ones include Caeleb Dressel after day two, Eddie Reese with some sound advice and wise thoughts, and Leah Smith’s feelings on her events and beliefs about the future.
All commentaries are the opinion of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Swimming World Magazine nor its staff.