“Don’t be scared. I know you can do this, Sunny.” My swimming coach, Ni, reassured me. Today’s training session was a challenge—I had to learn how to jump into the water. In my upcoming triathlon event, athletes will need to dive straight into the lake, so this skill is crucial.
I have been training at Sala’s swimming pool, which has a depth of 2.1 meters. However, the conditions at Bau Trang Lake, where the race will take place, are quite different. The lake is approximately five meters deep and covered with moss, making swimming more challenging. Other triathletes who have competed there in the past have warned me about its density—it feels heavier and harder to swim in compared to a regular pool.
As I stood at the edge of the pool, preparing to jump, a wave of fear crept in. Even though my coach and teammates were nearby, the thought of plunging into deep water made my heart race. But I took a deep breath and jumped. The initial shock faded as I focused on my freestyle stroke. I was still a little scared of the water, especially the unsettling feeling of not being able to touch the bottom. However, with each stroke, I gained confidence.
Overcoming Challenges in Swimming
Swimming has been one of the biggest challenges in my triathlon journey. My technique still needs improvement, and I struggle with endurance—especially in my right arm, which tends to get sore when I swim distances longer than 2 kilometers. Despite these hurdles, I am incredibly proud of how far I have come.
Back in December 2023, I barely knew how to swim. It was frustrating most days, and I often felt like I would never master it. It took me three months just to learn how to float. My first swimming coach had taught himself how to swim, and he passed on his self-taught techniques to me. Unfortunately, this led to a lot of bad habits that have been difficult to unlearn.
Everything changed when I started training with coach Ni. Under her guidance, I learned to appreciate the water rather than fear it. More than that, I developed a deep respect for my coach.
The Inspirational Story of Coach Ni
Coach Ni—full name Nguyễn Thị Kim Tuyến—is an inspiration. A former elite swimmer, she made the tough decision to retire from competitive swimming at just 21 years old. Despite her modest height of 1.63 meters, she achieved remarkable success in her career. One of her biggest achievements was winning 16 gold medals at the 2010 National Sports Festival. She also earned a bronze medal in the 100-meter butterfly event at the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.
Her transition from an athlete to a coach has been an incredible journey. She has dedicated herself to training and inspiring new swimmers like me. Learning under her guidance has not only improved my technique but also helped me build mental resilience.
Lessons Learned from Swimming
My swimming journey has been about more than just learning how to stay afloat—it has been a lesson in persistence, patience, and self-belief. Here are some key takeaways from my experience:
- Fear is Temporary, Growth is Permanent: Jumping into the water for the first time was terrifying. But pushing through that fear allowed me to discover a newfound confidence.
- The Right Coach Makes All the Difference: My experience with my first swimming coach taught me that learning the right techniques from the beginning is crucial. Under Coach Ni’s guidance, I have made significant progress in a short time.
- Progress is Not Always Linear: There were days when I felt like I was moving backward rather than forward. However, consistency and perseverance have helped me improve over time.
- Respect the Water: Learning to swim is about understanding and respecting the water. Coach Ni has helped me embrace swimming as a skill and an art.
Preparing for the Bau Trang Triathlon
With the triathlon approaching, my training is becoming more intense. Besides swimming, I am also focusing on cycling and running. However, swimming remains my biggest challenge. Bau Trang Lake, with its deep waters and moss-covered surface, will be a true test of my skills and endurance.
As I look back on my swimming journey, I realize how much I have grown. What once seemed impossible—learning to swim, floating, jumping into deep water—has now become part of my reality. I still have fears, but I now have the tools to face them head-on.
For anyone struggling with swimming or any other challenge, remember: fear is just a stepping stone to success. With the right mindset, persistence, and guidance, you can achieve more than you ever thought possible. I am excited (and nervous) for my upcoming triathlon, but I know one thing for sure—I will give it my best shot.