By Jason Cram — Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist & Swimly Head Coach

As someone who’s spent a lifetime in and around the water — from racing at the highest level to now coaching the next generation — there’s one question I get asked all the time by parents:

“How much is too much when it comes to pushing kids in sport?”

It’s a fair question.

We all want the best for our young swimmers. We want to see them grow, thrive, and reach their potential. But at what cost? Do more hours, tougher sessions, and year-round training really equal long-term success?

The short answer: Not always.

Swimming Builds Character — But Overload Breaks It

There’s no doubt that sport teaches discipline, builds fitness, and boosts confidence. But when pushed too hard, too early, it can just as easily lead to:

• Burnout

• Injury

• Anxiety

• Or worse… quitting altogether

What the Data Tells Us

It’s tempting to believe that early specialisation is the fast track to success. But the data paints a different picture.

👉 Only 11% of the top 100 swimmers at age 10 are still in the top 100 at 17–18.
That’s an 89% drop-off rate.

What does this tell us?

Early talent doesn’t guarantee long-term performance.
If anything, it shows that many kids peak early, then burn out, get injured, or lose interest before they ever reach their potential.

Why Kids Quit Swimming

Here’s a stat that should make every parent pause:

👉 70% of kids quit organised sport by age 13.

Not because they outgrow their love of swimming — but because the fun disappears.
When the focus shifts too early from enjoyment to performance, kids start feeling pressure instead of passion. And that’s when they walk away.

We’re Not Just Coaching Swimmers — We’re Coaching Humans

At Swimly, we believe training for kids should always be built around three core elements:

✅ Skill development
✅ Confidence building
✅ Joy in movement

That’s what creates a strong foundation — not just for sport, but for life.

The True Benefits of Sport (When Done Right)

When approached with balance, sport becomes one of the most powerful teachers in a child’s life.

It instils:

• Resilience – learning to bounce back after setbacks

• Discipline – showing up and doing the work

• Teamwork – learning to support and trust others

• Self-confidence – discovering what you’re capable of

But perhaps most importantly, sport provides a safe, structured identity where kids can grow emotionally as well as physically — often in ways school can’t provide.

Let Them Play. Let Them Explore.

Early specialisation sounds impressive. But some of the best athletes in the world didn’t settle into one sport until late in their teens.

Before that? They explored. They played. They moved.

So let your child:

• Try different sports

• Take breaks when needed

• Be a kid — not just a competitor

Because the long game isn’t about who wins at 12.
It’s about who still loves sport and movement — at 22.

My Advice to Parents

Encourage your child. Celebrate their growth. Back their dreams.
But keep an eye out for the signs that something isn’t working.

🚩 If they’re crying before training — it’s too much
🚩 If they’re always injured — it’s not sustainable
🚩 If they’ve stopped smiling in the water — it’s time to reassess

Success in sport doesn’t come from pressure.
It comes from purpose, patience, and play.

What We Do at Swimly

At Swimly, our approach to long-term development is built for real life…not just race day.

1. Age-Appropriate Training

We don’t treat 9-year-olds like Olympians.
We tailor training intensity to maturity, and technique always comes first.

2. We Encourage Multisport

Our swimmers are encouraged to explore other sports.
Why? Because coordination, body awareness, and mental freshness all carry back to the pool.

3. We Foster Lifelong Swimmers

Not every child will end up on the national team and that’s okay.
Our goal is to help them love the water, build confidence, and carry that into every part of life.

Jason Cram is a swim coach, former World Champion, and Commonwealth Games gold medallist. Through Swimly’s Competitive Swimming Programs, he helps young athletes develop skill, confidence, and a deep love for the water that lasts far beyond the podium.