Do you feel under pressure when you move up into a new age-group of swimming competitors? It seems that many swimmers do. Many seem to feel that any reputation they may have earned in the past age group no longer means anything now that they're swimming against older swimmers, and this really isn't true.
If you were a 'performer' in your past age group, then your reputation will follow you into the next one - and don't worry, everyone will want to know who you are and what you've done in the past.

Your reputation as a good swimmer will follow you wherever you go, never worry about that. And there is nothing surer than the fact that you will eventually show everyone what you are capable of doing, no matter how long it takes.

Of course, it is true that that in junior swimming there is often a physical advantage to the older swimmers of an age-group in size and strength, however I have found that the worst part of 'aging up' is that many swimmers mentally give up, because they think they will automatically come last in every race against older swimmers. Once a swimmer has given up mentally, it wouldn't matter if they had the talent of Ian Thorpe or Inge De Bruijn, they simply would not perform. When the body is being powered along by a mind which has given up, the body has no option but to give up as well. For your body to perform, your mind must be directed towards a positive goal.

So the first thing to do (in this new situation of older competitors) is to look for ways to boost yourself up mentally, or even turn the situation around completely, until you actually find it an advantage to being the youngest in your age group!

For instance, have you ever thought that possibly the older swimmers would not enjoy losing to a younger swimmer, and they may be feeling a little pressured to perform better than usual? Really, the new kid on the block should have no pressure to perform at all, as no-one really knows what to expect from them in the older age group. Yet the more established swimmers may feel they have their 'position' and reputations at risk from some young upstart swimmer who has burst onto the scene!

Even if this isn't the case (yet), these are great scenarios you can play through your mind to help take the pressure off! Also, remember that any sign of 'unfriendliness' directed towards you by some of the older swimmers may simply be due to the fact that some of them are feeling a little threatened by your presence! Once again, this is something you should use for inspiration, rather than worrying that everyone does not like you. Something you must always remember is that most highly successful people are NOT liked by everyone, because there will always be people out there who are simply jealous of their success.

In fact, criticism from other people can almost be regarded as a sign that you are making progress! No-one can make it to the top of the heap without having to overcome negativity and criticism from others along the way, this is all just a normal part of being successful. Remember, the more successful you become, the more criticism you'll attract - this is just part of the price of fame!

So don't automatically assume that the older swimmers have all the advantages, because even if you are not quite up to their speeds yet, you will soon be breathing down their necks!

Hang tough and you will succeed.