Playing through pain has always been seen as an admirable quality among athletes. My old role model, Don Schollander, said swimming through pain was a basic requirement and those who could tolerate agony would become champions. I was state champion in Texas as a kid, and All State in High School, before swimming in college at SMU, and believed in this credo. I’ve always valued this part of my life and still at almost sixty still consider myself an athlete. But at what cost and what real meaning does this type of activity have to a child or young adult’s developement?
One of the tasks of young adulthood is developing a personal identity,and sports can play and healthy role. It is not only good psychologically, but leaning to use excercise as a stress reliever promotes physical health as we age. The issues arise when it’s role becomes out of proportion, or even primary, in the life of a young adult. This is compounded by injury which can cut deeply into a young persons sense of self. Remember, three percent of high school athletes compete in college and less than one percent of college athletes go pro, with an average pro career of three years. Sports are not likely to be your career. Hopefully a good mentor can help with this. And pain is a part of sport, but is also a warning of potential injury or damage. It’s there for a reason, to tell us to beware. Exercising late in life predicts longevity. You can’t do this if you are chronically injured. It’s also worthy to note that an athlete is statistically more likely to complete suicide. They are more fearless and can bear pain. Often the loss of athletic prowess leads to psychological injury with grave consequences.
Again, for both sexes, participation in athletics builds physical and psychological health and predicts better outcomes in life. Balance is the key and pain is only good in small doses, normally serving as a warning to slow down. To be a complete person, all parts of you must balance and be in line with reasonable values. Of course, if I just had another shot at that Gold medal….