@David Karasek awesome 👌🏿

I think 4 and 6 for my son but I will see what he picks for himself.

Wonderful. Great plan 👍🏿

It'sgreat to hear about your ambitions! It's completely normal to feel pressure as time goes on. Remember, improvement often comes in waves, and even small progress can lead to significant achievements over time. To boost your chances of qualifying, focus on setting actionable goals in your training. Consider speaking with your coach about creating a tailored plan that addresses your specific areas for improvement. Staying motivated and committed will be key on your journey toward both the European Championships and your ultimate dream of the Olympics in 2028. Believe in yourself @Eva Floreskul and keep pushing forward—every step counts!

@Nicolas Hauenstein Anaya - Dear Nico, Thank you for sharing your situation. It's tough to hear that your coach has left, but I encourage you not to give up on swimming. Consider finding another coach, even if they aren't as experienced as your previous one; they can still help you stay connected to the sport. I can relate to your situation—my 13-year-old son is leaving home this September and his swimming club to join a boarding school where he will continue swimming. It was a tough decision for our family, but we know it's what's best for him. He will be away for periods of six weeks and then back home. He will be able to reconnect with his friends during the holidays and train at his old club. If attending a boarding school to continue swimming is an option for you, think about it. The life you have built will still be waiting for you when you come home. It's not all lost, you are just diversifying, building another life somewhere else, new friends etc. Time will come when you have to fly the nest anyway and you don't know where you might end up. This is all a good experience. Embrace it. Take care, and remember that there are always paths forward.

@Alessandro Resch - Your journey is truly fascinating! It’s impressive to hear about your competitive swimming background and how you have channeled that into coaching, all while balancing a career in engineering. The integration of engineering into swimming biomechanics sounds like a valuable area of exploration—I would love to hear more about what specifically you are working on. I understand the challenges of balancing roles as both a father and a coach. I know a few coaches in my area who have chosen not to coach their own children for similar reasons; kids often struggle to differentiate between 'dad' and 'coach.' Regarding your son's waning interest in swimming, I recommend setting some clear goals together and having an open conversation to uncover the root of his feelings. Are the training lengths, sets, the coaching style, or even the fear of competition affecting him? Once you pinpoint the cause, there are usually solutions to help rekindle that passion. @David Karasek - what advice do you have for Alessandro for his son's diminishing interest in the sport?