Three years ago, Nick barely knew how to swim. Now, at 42, he’s standing on the blocks at one of the most famous pools in the U.S., competing at 2024 Masters Nationals.
The journey from casual cannonballs to racing alongside seasoned swimmers was nothing short of incredible, and it all began when Nick made the decision to challenge himself in a sport he had barely touched.
Watch this fun video for the full experience!
The Beginning of Nick’s Swimming Journey
For most of his life, Nick had no real swimming experience. His visits to the pool were limited to the occasional splash, but something changed around the time he turned 40. He decided to dive into something new, and swimming became his focus. For the next three years, Nick committed himself to regular, guided swim workouts, training consistently twice a week with the MySwimPro app.
Despite his love for the new routine, Nick remained hesitant about competition. Swimming in a pool was one thing; competing was an entirely different beast. But as his skills improved, so did his confidence. When the idea of entering a swim meet surfaced, Nick took the leap—quite literally—and signed up for the 2024 U.S. Masters Nationals Competition in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Prepping for Nationals: Training and Mindset
Preparing for a competition like Nationals was no joke. As someone who had never raced before, Nick knew he had a lot to learn. He ramped up his training with new techniques such as parachute training, sprint sets, and swimming three times a week instead of two. In addition, Nick learned the intricacies of tapering—a training phase that allows the body to rest and perform at its peak.
Thanks to Coach Fares Ksebati and The MySwimPro Swimming Academy, Nick was able to get 1-on-1 feedback on his training routine, and video analysis on his stroke technique.
But swimming is as much a mental game as it is physical, and Nick’s biggest challenge was overcoming his own doubts. Small things, like counting the black lines (known as “T’s”) at the bottom of the pool, made him overthink his performance. But thanks to his coach and training partners, Nick stayed on track, with the goal of finishing his first race at Nationals in sight.
The Race Day Nerves
The day of Nick’s first race was a whirlwind of nerves and excitement. His first event was the 100-meter freestyle, a daunting challenge for any new swimmer. With butterflies in his stomach, Nick stepped up to the blocks, trying to block out distractions and focus on his plan: maintain a steady pace and stay calm during the flip turns, a notoriously tricky part of the race for him.
He pushed off the wall, streamlined through the water, and focused on his breathing and form. As he reached the end of his race, he looked up at the scoreboard: 1:11.
He had done it! For his first-ever race, Nick had accomplished what he set out to do, but the sense of relief and pride he felt was only the beginning.
Learning from Every Stroke
As Nick tackled his next event, the 50-meter freestyle, he faced a new challenge: mastering his breathing and controlling his pace. In a sprint event like the 50 free, strategy and execution are key, and even a small mistake can cost valuable seconds. Nick had his eyes set on breaking 30 seconds, a benchmark for many Masters swimmers.
The race didn’t go perfectly—his goggles filled with water, and he lost sight of the wall during his turn—but despite the mishap, Nick hit a personal best with a time of 30.19 seconds. It was a bittersweet moment, just shy of his goal, but one that fueled his determination to keep improving.
The Sub-30 Club: A Triumph
The highlight of Nick’s experience came the next day during a relay. Having felt the support of his team and embraced the energy of competition, Nick approached the relay with newfound confidence. This time, everything clicked. With clear goggles and a refined breathing strategy, Nick powered through the 50 free in 29.2 seconds, officially joining the coveted “sub-30” club.
This achievement was more than just a number on the clock—it was a testament to how far Nick had come. What started as a casual introduction to swimming had blossomed into a passion that led him to national-level competition.
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More Than Just Racing: A New Community
Beyond the personal milestones, Nick discovered something even more valuable at Nationals: the community. He met fellow swimmers, made new friends, and felt the support of not only his family and teammates but also complete strangers who cheered him on from the pool deck.
Swimming, Nick realized, wasn’t just about the races. It was about the shared experiences, the camaraderie, and the growth—both in the water and out of it.
From Beginner to Competitor: What’s Next?
Nick’s journey from novice to Masters Nationals competitor in three years shows that it’s never too late to start something new. His story is an inspiration for anyone who feels intimidated by the idea of diving into unfamiliar territory.
Whether you’re a beginner looking to improve your fitness, or someone ready to push your limits and compete, Nick’s story reminds us that with the right mindset, commitment, and support, anything is possible.
If Nick’s story has inspired you to take your swimming to the next level, don’t hesitate to get started on your own journey. As Nick would say, “Let’s go, baby!”
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