WE HEAR YOU
As you develop, your love for swimming can put you through some extra hard yards. Your body’s changing and life’s more demanding. Chances are you could be experiencing some unfamiliar feelings and challenges right now. You’re not alone.
Beyond the Black Line is a community that gives you the chance to share the personal stories and experiences of swimmers who’ve already been there.
Check out past and present Australian Dolphins covering things like self-esteem, motivation, pressure and life balance. We hope the skills you learn you’ll choose to use in all areas of life.
Feel free to register for the videos and ask your club about organising a face-to-face workshop.
WATCH OUR VIDEOS NOW
-
MOTIVATION
Watch this videoUps and downs are inevitable and unpredictable. So it’s important to have good people around you and keep the long-term goal in mind.
With: Bronte Campbell, Georgia Ridler (Sports Psychologist), Jim Fowlie (Coach) & Tracey Menzies (Coach)
-
GOALS AND PRESSURE
Watch this videoDealing with disappointment, being courageous and enjoying yourself are important skills to learn. It’s essential to set goals that are challenging but achievable.
With: Michael Bohl (Coach), Michael Klim, Kyle Richardson, Brendan Hall & Elijah Winnington
-
SELF-ESTEEM
Watch this videoBuilding your own self-identity can be challenging. It’s about being more than a swimmer. It can often include overcoming bullying or embracing disability.
With: Georgia Ridler, Brenton Rickard, Michael Klim & Brendan Hall
-
COMMUNICATION
Watch this videoTalking to adults can be tricky, but they can’t read your mind. So it’s important to be upfront about any personal or team issues. And also be prepared to listen.
With: Emma McKeon, Mel Gorman, Jodie Notting /Henry, Georgia Ridler (Sports Psychologist), Jim Fowlie (Coach) & Tracey Menzies (Coach)
Self-esteem is exactly what it says. It is defined by what you value most about yourself in every sense. Sure it’s good to push for a PB, but comparing yourself with others can do you more harm than good. Do you have a "go to" person when you’re not feeling great about yourself? Could you be one for a teammate?
MORE TOPICS
Couldn’t find the topic you’re after?
Read through our full list of topics for swimmers, parents, coaches and clubs here. And of course, if you still can’t find what you’re looking for drop us a line.
Body image
It’s really hard when you’re a swimmer. You usually don’t look as good in spaghetti strap tops. But I’ve learnt to be proud my body type and all the hard work that has gone into it. You just have to own it and be proud of it.
Bronte Campbell
Dual Olympian, Olympic gold medalist, 2 x World Champion and World Record holder
Managing expectations
Whether they’ve been promising or disappointing, the experiences I’ve had are invaluable. I manage expectations through tunnel vision. I see everything I do as an opportunity to better myself and that way I am on a mission to exceed my own expectations.
Mack Horton, Olympic Champion
Life balance
5 major meets in one year while I was trying to complete Grade 12 was a massive juggling act for me. I was really lucky to have the support from my school and my friends. As a result swimming has taught me how to manage my time better to get things done.
Bronte Barratt
Triple Olympian, Olympic gold medallist and World Record holder
Puberty
The emotional side of puberty is a very important topic that is often not addressed. You should feel comfortable to talk to your close friends or role models. All young girls have been through it, you’re not alone.
Ellie Cole
Multiple Paralympic Gold medallist and World Record holder
The Plateau
When I plateaued between 11- 14, it was very frustrating. I drew motivation to keep going from my friends and the pure enjoyment of swimming. And also how I just wanted to make myself the best swimmer I could possibly be under the circumstances.
Cam McEvoy
Dual Olympian, Olympic medallist, World Championship medallist and 2 x Commonwealth Games gold medallist
