RUN FOR FREEDOM & DEMOCRACY

Run for Freedom & Democracy
September 23, 2012
OFFICIAL RESULT- 3K-MALE (OPEN)
Order	Race No.	Name	Category	Time
1st	0139	Estrera, Michael	3K-M	00:10:22.090
2nd	0047	Dikigan, Raymond	3K-M	00:11:47.270
3rd	0158	Ouano, Mario	3K-M	00:12:34.050
OFFICIAL RESULT- 3K-FEMALE (OPEN)
Order	Race No.	Name	Category	Time
1st	0147	Arnibal, Angelis	3K-F	00:13:50.760
2nd	0013	Dorr, Yasmine	3K-F	00:17:48.410
3rd	0048	Cauronilla, Ramona	3K-F	00:20:28.300
OFFICIAL RESULT- 6K-MALE (OPEN)
Order	Race No.	Name	Category	Time
1st	587	Ycong, Jury	6K-M	00:20:37.700
2nd	640	Lee, Prince Joey	6K-M	00:20:39.900
3rd	642	Anor, Fritz	6K-M	00:22:58.630
4th	565	Enjambre, Ysagani	6K-M	00:25:29.070
5th	776	Berongoy, Allan Albert	6K-M	00:27:29.670
OFFICIAL RESULT- 6K-FEMALE (OPEN)
Order	Race No.	Name	Category	Time
1st	0603	Suaybaguio, Aiza	6K-F	00:26:14.530
2nd	0698	Laplana, Anna	6K-F	00:28:34.780
3rd	0026	Beboso, Michelle	6K-F	00:29:11.000
4th	0670	Tuquiam, Aimee	6K-F	00:30:06.390
5th	0522	Salas, Desiree	6K-F	00:36:29.770
OFFICIAL RESULT- 12K-MALE (OPEN)
Order	Race No.	Name	Category	Time
1st	1038	Enriquez, Riez	12K-M	00:43:29.500
2nd	1037	Largo, Michael	12K-M	00:45:06.540
3rd	1091	Repuela, Ian	12K-M	00:48:01.120
4th	1087	Maquiling, Paul John	12K-M	00:50:47.790
5th	1046	Bato-on, Jeffrey	12K-M	00:51:04.930
OFFICIAL RESULT- 12K-FEMALE (OPEN)
Order	Race No.	Name	Category	Time
1st	1041	Lee, Joeyry	12K-F	00:53:33.370
2nd	1062	Beboso, Mary Jane	12K-F	00:56:52.890
3rd	1268	Tan, Rochelle	12K-F	01:01:04.170
4th	1093	Arenilla, Jessa	12K-F	01:06:02.480
5th	1020	Apuhin, Pamela	12K-F	01:09:35.650

RACE AROUND SOUTHERN LEYTE

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INDIVIDUAL TIME TRIAL (ITT) 30KM

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ROAD RACE 80KM

2013 XTERRA PHILIPPINE CHAMPIONSHIP

Who: Triathletes
What: Xterra Off-Road Triathlon
When: March 3, 2013 Sunday
Where: Lilo-an, Cebu

CNET: APPLE'S IPHONE 5: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

CNET.  It's also worth noting that up until now, Apple and the carriers have played fast and loose with the definition of 4G. If you remember, AT&T iPhone 4S owners suddenly saw a 4G icon on their phones when they upgraded to iOS 5.1. That was because AT&T was calling its HSPA+ network 4G even though there was disagreement about whether the technology really qualified.

Will I be able to use the iPhone 5 overseas?Yes, though there are a couple of caveats. With the iPhone 5, Apple is doing away with the dual-mode GSM/CDMA support that we saw in all versions of the iPhone 4S. Instead, it's selling three distinct iPhone 5 versions: one CDMA-based model and two GSM-based models with slightly different LTE bands. Having separate versions is another factor that makes carrier interoperability difficult. On the other hand, losing the CDMA support on AT&T phones is irrelevant since AT&T customers have no use for it anyway... Read more

A BRIGHTER TOMORROW IN ATHLETICS CAREER

The Freeman.  Wearing spike shoes for the first time in a race, Sustituedo faltered in her attempt to establish a new record in 3,000m run of athletics event during the 17th Milo Little Olympics Visayas eliminations five days ago at the Cebu City Sports Center.

In her previous runs, Sustituedo can easily complete the 3-kilometer distance in 10 minutes while running barefoot but she has dramatically slowed down with shoes on.

Prior to her failed bid though in the 3,000m run where she placed second only to Cebuana Arni Andrin, Sustituedo clinched two gilts in the 800m and 1,500 run.

“I felt a little bit awkward because I'm not used to running with shoes on in a competition,” said the long distance runner star from Iloilo National High School... Read more

BROTHERLY BOOST

 

Published in Sun Star Newspaper on August 27, 2012 Monday issue

by Marian C. Baring, Staff Writer

Mike Limpag, Sports Editor

 

 

... Meanwhile, another athlete who aims more than just a gold medal is IloIlo’s golden girl Joneza Mie Sustituedo, who claimed her second gold yesterday in the 800-meter run in 2:29.07.

Sustituedo’s time may not be her best and she blames her spike shoes for it.

“Nag pa- paa lang kasi ako nuon. Ngayon kailangan na magspike shoes. Kailangan pa mag adjust,” said Sustituedo, who holds Palarong Pambansa record and has represented the country in the Asean School Games in Indonesia.

The achiever that she is, the youngster from Iloilo is not contented in resting on her laurels. She still has one more event today. Late yesterday, she approached an official and asked for the standing record in the 3,000-meter run--her last and final event.

“Sana ma break ko yung record,” said Sustituedo... Read more

ILONGO ATHLETES SPRING SURPRISE, LEADS DAY 1 OF MILO VISAYAS

 

Published in The Freeman Newspaper on August 26, 2012 Sunday issue

by Caecent No-ot Magsumbol, Staff Writer

Manny Villaruel, Sports Editor

 

 

The 17-year-old Catalbas, competing under the banner of Iloilo National High School, claimed the first gold at stake in athletics after dominating the secondary boys 5,000m run with the time of 17 minutes and 53.16 seconds.

Prince Joey Lee of the University of Southern Philippines Foundation settled for silver in 18:00.66, while UC's Rozel Ardiente got the bronze with a 18:32.41 clocking.

After a much-needed rest, Catalbas sealed his day with another gold via the 1,500m run. He did not have a flashy start but he knew when to pull it away, speeding up in the last two laps to eventually overtake USPF's John Cliff Debulosan in the final five meters.

Catalbas to win the battle with the time of four minutes and 23.92 seconds, just four-tenths of a second ahead of Debulosan, while another USPF long distance runner Joel Andrin wound up third with a 4:34.84 clocking.

Two other Ilonggos stole the show from the Cebuano tracksters, with Janeza Mae Sastituedo and Lanz Jeremy Halongong basking in the glow of golden performances.

-

Sastituedo topped the secondary girls 1,500m run with the time of 5:07.32. Lovely Fe Andrin of Pajo NHS placed second in 5:12.35 followed by USPF’s Crizel Diongson in 5:20.48... Read more

VISITORS RULE DAY 1

 

Published in Sun Star Newspaper on August 26, 2012 Sunday issue

by Marian C. Baring, Staff Writer

Mike Limpag, Sports Editor

 

 

AT FIRST glance, no one would bother giving her much of a care. She was, after all, the smallest girl at the starting line of the 1,500-meter run. Her pigtails did not help make her look more menacing either.

But among her peers, Joneza Mie Sustituedo, the diminutive runner from Iloilo, was the one they were gauging their runs against yesterday in the athletics event of the Milo Little Olympics.

A multiple record breaker of the Palarong Pambansa, Sustituedo zoomed out of the pack and left everyone eating her dust bent on her target of making a record in the Milo Little Olympics in her first attempt.

“Andito po ako para makagawa ng record. First time ko po kasi sa Milo Little Olympics. Sana maka record ako,” said the 10-year-old from Iloilo National High School (INHS).

Sustituedo holds the record in the 3,000-meter run and the 800-meter run in the Palarong Pambansa. When she was still in the elementary division, she broke a record in the 1,500-meter run in 2009 and broke it again in 2010.

Yesterday, she won the 1,500m run and crossed the finish almost uncontested, posting five minutes and 7.32 seconds for a good five-second lead over Pajo National High School’s Lovely Fe Andrin.

 

Crizel Diongson of the University of Southern Philippines Foundation came in third at 5:20:48.

Organizers of the Milo Little Olympics have been raring to get the athletics powerhouse Iloilo to join the regional eliminations.

“We wanted our athletes to gauge themselves against some really tough opponents. Sometimes, if they get no challenge, they resign to working hard at a level that is mediocre,” said Ricky Ballesteros.

Ballesteros said they managed to convince Iloilo to join the event after promising to help with their expenses.

“I told them na ilaha lang ang plete and kami na bahala sa food and accommodation nila,” he said.

It may be a huge pressure for the Iloilo squad. They did not disappoint... Read more

ARMSTRONG'S FALL IS MIND-BOGGLING

Phil Daily Inquirer.  Then, a few minutes later, he was off, literally like a rocket, leaving rivals for dead and making the towering Mont Ventoux look like little more than a speed bump.

The physical strength he showed that July 13 at the 2000 Tour was mind-boggling. And there were so many other equally mind-boggling moments in the other six Tours he won... Read more

SOFIA'S CHOICE: IT'S TRIATHLON OVER CANCER FOR SPUNKY GIRL, 9

Phil Daily Inquirer.  Danny always has in mind two snapshots of his daughter. The first is of the six-year-old Sofia, hair torched, teeth crooked and nails blackened by chemotherapy. She is wearing a face mask as he lifts her up during one PBA championship celebration. The other is of the nine-year-old Sofia in full battle gear, closing in on the finish line in an Ironkids race in Cebu... Read more

IGI NAKAGUKOD SA 3RD PLACE

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Published in Super Balita Newspaper on August 24, 2012 Friday issue
by Jun Migallen, Sports Editor

Bisan pa man og nabiyaan sa puntos human wa makaapil sa unang leg, apan ang Sugbuanong 17 anyos nga si Miguel "Igimax" Maximo nakamaniho gihapon sa pagpatong sa 3rd place sa over all standing human sa ikatulong legs sa men's 16-19 division sa Powerade Philippine Duathlon Series sa niaging Domingo didto sa Sta. Elena City, Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

Ang mga partisipante sa maong kompetisyon motadlas og 7-km nga dagan, 35-km nga biseklita ug 3.5km nga dagan na sab.

"It's not easy to compete for s series event because you lose points if you miss a leg," matod ni Igi kinsa miyembro sa PHL Natl Junior Cycling team.

Tungod sa kataas sa biyahe ug ingon man sa logistic support, si Igimax wa makaapil sa first leg apan nakabawi kini sa niaging duha ka legs.

"I hope to complete the 4th and final leg this October and maintain my standing.  It's tough but I always look forward representing Cebu in a national race," niya pa.

Sa niaging Domingo, si Igimax mitadlas sa finishing line sa oras nga 31:54 minuto sa unang dagan, 1:03:24 nga biseklita ug 20:32 minutos nga dagan. JBM

MAXIMO BAGS THIRD PLACE IN POWERADE DUATHLON

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Published in Sun Star Newspaper on August 24, 2012 Friday issue
by Iste S. Leopoldo, Staff Writer
Mike Limpag, Sports Editor

CEBU’s Luis Miguel “Igimax” Maximo secured the third over-all spot of the men’s 16-19 age group of the Powerade Philippine Duathlon Series last Aug. 19 in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

The 17-year-old Maximo completed a grueling seven-kilometer run, 35-km bike and 3.5-km run in one hour and 56 minutes.

“It’s not easy to compete for a series event because you lose points if you miss a leg,” said Maximo, a PHL junior national cycling team member.

Due to the demands of travel and logistical support, Maximo missed the first leg but was able to make it up in the next two legs.

“I hope to complete the fourth and final leg this October and maintain my standing. It’s tough but I always look forward to represent Cebu in a national race,” said two-time SAC awardee Maximo.

The race attracted about 500 duathletes and was considered the biggest national duathlon competition in the country.

“My run has improved since I trained with coach Mick Perez. But it is still in the bike leg that I am able can catch up with the others,” said Maximo, who was the Asian Junior Cycling PHL representative before taking up duathlon just last May.

Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on August 24, 2012.

THE OLYMPICS: HOPE TAKES WORK

Manila Bulletin.  Hope takes work. Let’s face it, the physical and mental preparation of our athletes are hardly commensurate with the hopes they cherish. While our Asian neighbors have set up world-class sporting infrastructures, many of our training facilities are in a pitiable condition. Some sports depend only on private sponsorship in order to survive. The training of some athletes is even financed by their own parents or private sponsors. Some grew up in the United States, trained there, and would later compete under the Philippine flag – at very little expense from our government. While other Asian governments have set up monolithic sports bodies to supervise the training of their athletes, our national sports agencies are saddled with power struggles and political intrigues. Rather than concentrate on their training, athletes are torn between divided loyalties... Read more

HOW CORPORATIONS SPONSOR OLYMPIC ATHLETES

The Fiscal Times.  In choosing a spokesperson, companies look at the athlete's name recognition, likability, image, personal story and sex appeal. "Companies are looking for a showman," notes Anthony Fernandez, a Florida-based branding consultant who specializes in professional athletes. "They're looking for someone who is passionate, who can entertain, who can bring folks to their feet. A lot comes down to personality."... Read more

ANALYSIS: TROUBLED NSAs STYMIE PROGRESS OF PHL SPORTS

PhilStar.  One of the most telling blows to Philippine sports was dealt by the cycling association. The association had two presidents between 2005 and 2011. One “rebel” group had as many as five who, unable to find a way out of the crisis, stumbled over one another in their haste to resign. The infighting reached a point when the cyclists of the rebel group were not allowed to compete in the tournament of the other.

Since the national trials were conducted by the POC-accredited NSA, other cyclists, who were actually licensed professionals and more qualified, did not participate. In the SEA Games, the POC amateur cyclists were in turn not allowed by the International Cycling Federation to participate because they lacked a license.

Coming back home, both presidents conducted their own separate tournament to determine players for their next international competitions. They scheduled them on the same day. Again cyclists were made to choose, between a UCI (international cycling federation)-sanctioned tournament that would earn them a license and UCI points to see action in professional competitions abroad in the future and a tournament where the qualifiers will get allowances as POC accredited amateur athletes... Read more

TRI, WHY NOT?

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Published in The Freeman Newspaper on August 8, 2012 Wednesday issue

by Ana Patricia "Ica" Maximo, Contributor

Emmanuel V. Villaruel, Sports Editor

CEBU, Philippines - Crossing the finish line has always been every athlete's dream. I had finally accomplished my dream last Saturday and it was priceless.

Finishing the Alaska IronKids Triathlon 2012 really meant something big to me. It was really an amazing opportunity for me to join an international competition and I was lucky to be part of it. We had to swim 300 meters in the open sea, bike for 10 km around Punta Engaño and run 2 km inside Shangrila Mactan Beach Resort non-stop! Being a triathlete is no joke. But when you enjoy doing it, it can be a lot easier.

Ever since school started this year, being a Grade 7 student of Sacred Heart School- Hijas de Jesus has been hard because I had to balance my time for both my studies and training with swimming, cycling and running. But with the support of my school, I was able to find more time to practice my sport.

The most important people that have always been there for me in good and in bad times, support me in my decisions, and will always love me no matter what will happen, are my parents, Maxi and Sheila. I would never be able to survive without them and of course to my bike guru YKK, coaches Tito, Ronald, and Sherwin as well as Mdm. Balicoco and my teachers including Mr. Trani. I am very blessed to have such supportive parents, coaches and teachers to help me improve my sport and studies.

Aside from sweating it out with triathlon, the experience has also taught me values like friendship. I got to meet other triathletes from other countries the same age as I am that came from other places and have realized that this competition was their first time to swim in the open sea.

Discipline and commitment were also the other values that were instilled in me. When you practice the value of discipline, you will surely accomplish what you would want to achieve. These are the important values that we should always keep in mind.

I would like to encourage my classmates and friends to try out this sport aside from being in the computer for hours. We should have a healthy lifestyle so that we could enjoy and be active even though we would already be at our 80's or 90's. So I challenge all of you to be part of any sport that you would always enjoy and have fun.

Oh! I can't wait for my next event. (FREEMAN)

ENTHUSIASTS ASSERT CYCLING IS STILL A SAFE SPORT

Published in Sun Star Newspaper on August 6, 2012 Monday issue
by Cheska D. Geli, Staff Writer
Mike Limpag, Sports Editor

CYCLING enthusiasts hope that the unfortunate incident in the Cobra Ironman Triathlon won’t spur fear among fans of the sport.

Although the local cycling and triathlon community are grieving the death of relay participant Ramon Igaña Jr., they hope that it won’t make the public think that cycling is a dangerous sport.

An autopsy released by organizers revealed that Igaña had an acute pulmonary embolism, which caused him to lose control.

“I beg to disagree with some stating that uneven roads at the SRP had anything to do with the accident,” said Ironman local coordinator Oscar Rodriguez.

Rodriguez said that the incident will make athletes more wary about their conditioning, training and probably experience in the different challenges offered by sporting competitions and cited the case of Fernando Zobel de Ayala.

“Although he had a serious accident that could have cost his life a few months back, he chose to race again in Cebu. If I want a race without challenges, then I should ride an indoor bike or run on a treadmill but then again, I could die of a heart attack if I over exert myself,” said Rodriguez.

Jonathan Maximo, father of junior cyclist Igi Maximo, also said that from the narration of the marshal who saw Igaña go pale, it wasn’t the road conditions that caused it.

“It was his body failing on him, not due to his bike handling skills or the conditions of the road kay walay maayong siklista kung ang imong gibati mao na to,” said Maximo.

Maximo had known Igaña since their high school days and he knows that he had prepared for the event.

Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on August 06, 2012.

CEBU'S YOUNG TRIATHLETES READY FOR IRONKIDS

Published in Sun Star Newspaper on August 3, 2012 Friday issue
by Iste S. Leopoldo, Staff Writer
Mike Limpag, Sports Editor

SOME of Cebu’s young triathletes are geared up for this Saturday’s Alaska Ironkids Triathlon at the Shangri-la Mactan Resort and Spa.

This will be a tough race for the young participants because this will be the first time that the swim leg will be held in open water.

“For several years, the swim leg was just held in a pool. Nindot siya mintras bata pa sila, they start competing in an open water aron maanad na sila when the time comes when they compete in the Ironman. However, for kids they won’t be far from the shore because safety is our main concern,” Cebu coordinator Oscar Rodriguez said.

Alaska IronKids is the junior counterpart of the world-renowned triathlon event IronMan.

Cebu will be banking on Triathlon Association of the Philippines (Trap) developmental team members Yuan and Justin Chiongbian and Nina Francesca Villaba along with Shaia Ruth Uy, Jezreel Tan, John Tan, Ana Patricia “Ica” Maximo, Aaliyah Matarugnon. The youngest participant is six-year-old Mikele Jopson, the daughter of veteran triathletes Noy and Amale.

According to Milette, Yuan and Justin’s mother, her sons are ready to compete against easoned young triathletes in the country.

“Yuan and Justin are very excited to race, though, anxious and hoping there won’t be mechanical problems in the bike like a flat. They also aim to beat their personal best and be mature in this sport,” Millete said.

On the other hand, 12-year-old Matarugnon of Sacred Heart School-Hijas, who just joined triathlon this year and topped the 11-12 years age group of the National Age Group Triathlon (Nagt) race, is doing minimal training for this week and as well as schoolmate Ica Maximo.

Maximo took the 13-14 age group title in the Talisay Triathlon and in the Congressman Red Triathlon Leg 1.

Mikele Jopson is also eyeing another podium finish after winning first place in the NAGT supertrikids and second in the Moonyeen Durano Triathlon Cup supertrikids.

Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on August 03, 2012.

TOUR OF MATABUNGKAY 2012

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October 19-21, 2012

Lian, Batangas, PHL

2012 LONDON OLYMPICS: ROAD CYCLING

START LIST:

July 28: Road Race Men 250km (start list)
July 29: Road Race Women 140km (start list)
Aug 1: Individual Time Trial Men 44km (start list)
Aug 1: Individual Time Trial Women 29km (start list)

SWIMMERS MAKE IT THE HARD WAY

Phil Star.  Joseph said Lacuna and Alkhaldi are examples of how homegrown swimmers could blossom into Olympic qualifiers. “We were able to take homegrown talent, put them in serious training for six years since they were just 12 and 13 and six years later, mint new Philippine Olympians,” he said.

“Are they going to win in London? These kids are going to be up against swimmers 8 to 10 years older than them, who have swum millions of meters more than them annually. And had much more money invested in them than we could dream of. Jes and Jas are the future. They’ll compete in the Southeast Asian Games, Asian Games and one or two more Olympics if we can afford to keep them in the water... Read more

CEBU CHALLENGE CYCLING CLASSIC

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August 8-12, 2012

Cebu, Philippines

STRENGTH & CONDITIONING VS BODYBUILDING

Phil Star.  “Athletes are often confused between strength and conditioning, and bodybuilding,” said Sumulong.

For the ordinary athlete, building muscles mean building on strength, but the Filipino expert said it’s not always true, saying with added muscles, an athlete sometimes gives up a lot in strength and agility... Read more

SMART GOES FULL BLAST IN SUPPORT OF PINOY RIDERS

PhilStar.  In March, Smart also sponsored the national team competing for the Asian Cycling Championships and Asian Youth Championships both held in Malaysia.

“CYCLING is one of the sports we Filipinos can compete and excel,” said Epok Quimpo, Smart Sports Manager. “As we’ve seen in major Tours, Filipino cyclists are world-class bikers. With the qualification of Danny as the only Asian in the Olympics BMX event, this is a testament that we Filipinos can compete with the world. We hope Danny’s Olympic journey will inspire more Filipino kids to follow in his footsteps,” Quimpo added... Read more

P-NOY: YOU MADE CHANGE POSSIBLE

PhilStar.  “This is why, to all the nurses, midwives, or doctors who chose to serve in the barrios; to each new graduate who has chosen to work for the government; to each FILIPINO ATHLETE who proudly carries the flag in any corner of the globe, to each government official who renders true and honest service: You made this change possible. So whenever I come face to face with a mother who tells me, ‘Thank you, my child has been vaccinated,’ I respond: You made this happen,” Aquino said... Read more

SONSHINE RADIO RUN

Who: Runners
What: Sonshine Radio Run
When: July 22, 2012 Sunday
Where: Terraces Ayala, Cebu City

OFFICIAL RESULTS

21K MALE OPEN
1 Managil, Moh Sherwin 1:16:52
2 Tillor, Noel 1:16:55
3 Singson, Adonis 1:17:30
4 Busa, Alvirg 1:18:55
5 Enriquez, Riez 1:27:41
6 Abello, Leo 1:32:57
7 Claudio, Michael 1:34:09
8 Bolo, Jimmy 1:38:53
9 Tan, Tyrone 1:40:20
10 Mesa, Jessie 1:40:23

21K FEMALE OPEN
1 De Los Santos, Mary Grace 1:34:18
2 Carter, Madelyn 1:37:20
3 Beboso, Mary Jane 1:49:24
4 Lua, Abegail 1:58:21
5 Ong, Jane-Jane 1:58:37
6 Sanchez, Preciosa 2:00:53
7 Jore, Marjorie 2:04:53
8 Abellana, Odiza 2:05:51
9 Malagar, Kaye 2:06:29
10 Batac, Daisy 2:06:59

21K MALE MASTER
1 Meehan, Mark 1:47:33
2 Limpangog, Francisco 1:50:23
3 Escasinas, Nemesio 1:56:23
4 Bacatan, Nilo 2:10:07
5 Penas, Marlon 2:17:38

21K FEMALE MASTER
1 Escasinas, Tessie 1:58:36
2 Colmenares, Shiela 2:39:07
3 Villarica, Marget 2:51:08

6K MALE OPEN
1 John, Daryl 20:20
2 Gonzaga, Jess 20:34
3 Debulosan, John 20:45

6K FEMALE OPEN
1 Andrin, Cherry 24:57
2 Diongson, Crizel 25:29
3 Delechos, Krisha 26:36

source: SAFE/Joel Baring

10 COMMANDMENTS FOR SWIMMING PARENTS

by Rose Snyder, USOC (adapted from Ed Clendaniel's 10 Commendments for Little League Parents)

I. Thou shalt not impose thy ambitions on thy child.

Remember that swimming is your child's activity. Improvements and progress occur at different rates for each individual. Don't judge your child's progress based on the performance of other athletes and don't push them based on what you think they should be doing. The nice thing about swimming is every person can strive to do their personal best and benefit from the process of competitive swimming.

II. Thou shalt be supportive no matter what.
There is only one question to ask your child after a practice or a competition - "Did you have fun?" If meets and practices are not fun, your child should not be forced to participate.

III. Thou shalt not coach thy child.
You are involved in one of the few youth sports programs that offer professional coaching, do not undermine the professional coach by trying to coach your child on the side. Your job is to provide love and support and a safe place to return at the end of the day. Love and hug your child no matter what. The coach is responsible for the technical part of the job. You should not offer advice on technique or race strategy or any other area that is not yours. And above all, never pay your child for a performance. This will only serve to confuse your child concerning the reasons to strive for excellence and weaken the swimmer/coach bond.

IV. Thou shalt only have positive things to say at a swimming meet.
If you are going to show up at a swimming meet, you should be encouraging, but never criticize your child or the coach. Both of them know when mistakes have been made. And remember “yelling at” is not the same as “cheering for”.

V. Thou shalt acknowledge thy child's fears.
A first swimming meet, 500 free or 200 IM can be a stressful situation. It is totally appropriate for your child to be scared. Don't yell or belittle, just assure your child that the coach would not have suggested the event if your child was not ready to compete in it. Remember your job is to love and support your child through all of the swimming experience.

VI. Thou shalt not criticize the officials.
If you do not care to devote the time or do not have the desire to volunteer as an official, don't criticize those who are doing the best they can.

VII. Honor thy child's coach.
The bond between coach and swimmer is a special one, and one that contributes to your child's success as well as fun. Do not criticize the coach in the presence of your child, it will only serve to hurt your child's swimming.

VIII. Thou shalt be loyal and supportive of thy team
It is not wise for parents to take their swimmers and to jump from team to team. The water isn't necessarily bluer in another team's pool. Every team has its own internal problems, even teams that build champions. Children who switch from team to team are often ostracized for a long, long time by the teammates they leave behind and are slowly received by new team mates. Often times swimmers who do switch teams never do better than they did before they sought the bluer water.

IX. Thy child shalt have goals besides winning.
Most successful swimmers are those who have learned to focus on the process and not the outcome. Giving an honest effort regardless of what the outcome is, is much more important than winning. One Olympian said, "My goal was to set a world record. Well, I did that, but someone else did it too, just a little faster than I did. I achieved my goal and I lost. Does this make me a failure? No, in fact I am very proud of that swim." What a tremendous outlook to carry on through life.

X. Thou shalt not expect thy child to become an Olympian.
There are 250,000 athletes in USA Swimming and we keep a record of the Top 100 all time swimming performance by age group. Only 2% of the swimmers listed in the all-time Top 100 10 & Under age group make it to the Top 100 in the 17-18 age group and of those only a small percentage will become elite level, world class athletes. There are only 52 spots available for the Olympic Team every four years. Your child's odds of becoming an Olympian is about .0002%.