| Our developmental pathway groups–Green, Blue and Bronze–have started 2026 off on a tear, and I want to recognize their success and enthusiasm so far. Our recent Block Party meet exemplifies that success. Green and Blue swimmers raced their first 200-yard individual medley, which is both a physically and technically challenging swim at that age. They did amazingly well, in many cases beating their best butterfly times on the first lap of an eight-lap race. More importantly, they attacked an unfamiliar, possibly scary race with confidence and focus. (It’s the swimming equivalent of a piano recital!) When I started coaching for PST a couple of years ago, I don’t think we were ready for something so ambitious. It speaks volumes to the effort your swimmers have put in since the fall to get ready for this moment. I’m proud of them for that. Similarly, Bronze impressed with their first 500-yard freestyle. Their attitude and energy was so positive and mutually supportive from swimmer to swimmer that I knew we were in for a great day. On a technical level, I’m proud of so many of those swimmers who went from inconsistent flip turns in practice just a few months ago, to executing 19 out of 19 flip turns throughout a grueling race! Their preparedness allowed them to transcend the discomfort and nerves of those races. They were able to just be in the moment and experience something exciting and joyful through the pain. Sure, it was hard, but there was a smile of satisfaction on every face that day. Overall, your swimmers capitalized on the chance to broaden their horizons. They discovered a new way to find success and satisfaction within this sport. (Some of them are already chomping at the bit to become distance swimmers!) That discovery, however, is ultimately an outcome of two things: first, the unglamorous process of putting the work and focus in at practice, week in and week out, to make these ambitious goals possible. Second, having the courage to take a chance on themselves and commit to trying it! I’m excited to help each swimmer in Green, Blue, and Bronze build on the consistency and courage they have shown so far this season. I believe our major competitions in the spring and summer will be incredible if we keep working hard. These swimmers are the future of PST, and the future is looking bright! Go PST!
Coach Adrien
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