Competetive swimming slump

Question
Hi There, My 15 yr old son just started swimming 2 years ago. He has had very good results the first 2 years. This year he has only improved on 2 times and has added some time on to all other events. He practices 8 times a week and enjoys the club very much. All the other kids in his group including his brother (who is 1 year younger and just started swimming last year) have qualified for a special meet. He is the only one who didn't. How do we keep him motivated especially when his younger and smaller brother is now beating him and he isn't improving on his times.Its so awkward to be happy for one child and try to encourage the other without sounding patronizing. How long do these slumps last?
Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Marny


Answer
Marny--You've got a tough situation there.  Your son isn't really in a slump, it's more like "the honeymoon is over," because he has only been swimming for 2 years, he has hit a point where pure natural talent has gotten him to a peak.  Now it's going to be a matter of improving techniques and pushing during workouts.  The bad news is your younger son will probably hit this stage in the next year also.  This let down doesn't tend to last too long though.  I know it's hard to motivate someone whose younger sibling is progressing more at the present time, but things will get better.  It seems like his training is ok, and as long as he is enjoying what he is doing, he will improve again, but during this time, as I said earlier, really concentrate on techinique,  his body will catch up and at 15, he's only going to get stronger and faster.
Keep on encouraging him and be prepared to go through this with your younger son.
Hope this helps,
George