Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:This question totally depends on whether you’re talking about a girl or boy. For girls, the 11-12 age group is tougher. Much faster times and difference in puberty. Then, for many girls, 15-18 is tough because they getting bigger hips/boobs and gain weight. Many girls quit between 14-16 because they will never be as fast as they were at 12. For boys, it’s tough from 13 on for different reasons. The times keep getting faster and faster. The good news is that most boys get stronger during this time. But for those who are short/small, it can be tough.
Boys really need to start weight training consistently to keep up in the open category. This helped my thin son immensely. Especially if you find a trainer who knows what swimmers need to focus on in the gym.
+1 Weight training helps tremendously, particularly for boys 11-13 when puberty hits. It takes advantage of the burst in testosterone to build muscle and strength quickly.
I've even noticed the same thing with girls in the same age bracket. The skinny girls that were so fast in 10&U get left behind by girls who develop wider backs and shoulders, along with muscular legs. Just look at the physiques of top swimmers and you'll see what I mean.