Being a “veteran.” Is that a good thing?A few weeks ago, a reporter asked me a question about being a veteran. It surprised me because I think that I still have things to accomplish in my sport, and I’m always trying to reach the next level. I don’t really consider myself that old or experienced. It struck me as odd that other people thought of me that way.

Last night, Natalie Coughlin and I were elected as team captains — jobs we’ve done together for the past few years. When I was younger, I always looked up to the athletes that I elected as team captains, so it is always a huge honor and something that I’m proud of every time I get elected.

However, I have always thought of those former captains as these older, infinitely experienced athletes. It got me thinking. So, when I got back to my room I asked Elizabeth, my roommate, when she was born. Get this — 1992. What! I was born in 1982! I was on national teams before she was in double digits! Probably before she started swimming seriously! Maybe I am a veteran.

But is it bad to be a veteran? Does it mean that I am on my last legs, barely hanging on? Does it mean that I am old and declining in my career? I don’t think so.

Maybe it just means that I have done many great things in my past that have helped to prepare me for the even greater things that I will do in my future. Yes, that is the way that I will think about it. Being a veteran is a good thing for my swimming.

And, now that I think about it, it is also important for the team. Because when I am done, I want to leave my mark in more than just the record book. When I am finished swimming, I want to have set the foundation and helped the swimmers who come after me to be even faster. I want to be able to set an example and be there to use my experience to teach them what they want to know. Maybe that’s what being a veteran is all about.

This entry was posted on Saturday, March 17th, 2007 at 1:28 pm and is filed under tarakirk. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.