Potential

Question
I sent u my times earlier.  I am 12-do u think I have potential and I just started swimming.

Answer
Sandra,
If these are your times, I would say that you do have potential.  However, your coach should already have told you that.  I would need to see you swim before I truly answered that.

Let me give you a comparison.  My times when I was 12:
500 Free:  5:18
200 Free:  1:59

I continued on to place at Senior Nationals, made the nationa distance team, and competed at NCAA's.  I consider that to be a good swimming career.  However, just because someone has talent does not mean that they will go far.  You need to have the desire to train and compete as well.  Talent can only take you so far in any sport.

Do you enjoy swimming?  Do you want to be the best you can be?  Are you willing to work harder than you ever thought possible in order to make it all the way?  Those are the questions to ask yourself right now.  Just because you have good times at 12 does not mean you will be at the next Olympics.  :-)
You need to work hard still.  I would love to see you swim.

I wish you the best of luck.  You times are very impressive.  I assume you have a great deal of talent.  If you put your mind to it, I am sure you can do great things.  Just don't take your talent for granted.

Swim hard!
Eric