Reset Like a Champion: Why the Best Swimmers Know When to Take a Break
As the swimming world gears up for the upcoming World Championship Trials, some of the biggest names in American swimming are choosing not to compete and take a step back – for now. To the untrained eye, their absence may raise eyebrows. But to those who understand the relentless demands of high-level competition, it signals something deeper: a growing awareness that rest, recovery, and mental health are just as vital to performance as the training itself.
For decades, elite athletes have been conditioned to push through exhaustion, to compete through pain, and to sacrifice everything for the next big meet. That mindset, while admirable in its dedication, often comes at a cost: burnout, injury, and emotional fatigue. Today’s top swimmers are beginning to rewrite that narrative. They are learning when to lean in and when to pause.
Burnout is real, and it is not just physical. Mentally and emotionally, the pressure to stay at the top, meet public expectations, and continually drop time can feel overwhelming. Behind every televised heat and social media highlight reel is a human being navigating the unseen weight of their own inner world. Even the most decorated athletes are not immune to doubt, fatigue, or the quiet fear of letting others down.
In an Olympic cycle, the stakes are even higher. Training ramps up, pressure intensifies, and media attention grows. Every meet feels like a test, not just of fitness, but of character. It is no surprise that many athletes, even at the height of their careers, need time away from the racing spotlight to recalibrate. These decisions are not made lightly. They often come after months of reflection, and they require immense courage to follow through.
For some, skipping Trials is not about falling short. It is about taking ownership of a career. It is about saying, “I need this break to come back stronger.” And history supports them. We have seen it before; athletes who step away, heal, and return not only with improved performances, but with a renewed love for the sport.
Because at its core, swimming should still bring joy. Long before podiums and pressure, swimmers fell in love with the water for its simplicity, its rhythm, and the freedom it offered. When racing becomes relentless, that joy can fade. A strategic pause can reignite that spark. Stepping away from the constant push of training and competition can give athletes the space to reconnect with what drew them to the sport in the first place.
We also must consider the off-deck pressures that fans and media rarely see. Mental health struggles, financial stress, grief, and personal transitions are part of life for elite athletes too. Being one of the best in the world does not shield someone from the challenges of everyday life. Sometimes, what happens outside the pool needs to take priority, and that decision should be met with compassion, not criticism.
As spectators and supporters, we have a role to play in this culture shift. It starts with empathy. We should remind ourselves and each other to be kind. That swimmer you are critiquing online might be quietly navigating depression, recovering from injury, or simply trying to reconnect with their purpose. Behind the goggles is a full human experience.
Comment threads and forums should never become places of judgment. Instead, they can be spaces for support. Let’s celebrate the bravery it takes to say, “I need a break.” That kind of courage often leads to longevity, both in performance and in personal well-being. Taking time off is not giving up. It is gearing up.
So as the lanes fill in Indianapolis and fresh faces rise to the occasion, let’s also cheer for those who are sitting this one out. They are not stepping back, they are resetting. And that, too, is the mark of a champion.
