People may be of the opinion that athletes are naturally gifted, allowing them to excel at their respective sports. But nothing could be further from the truth. And the most decorated Olympian, Michael Phelps, wrote about his first swimming experience in his autobiography.

People have always been fascinated by sports but more so by athletes. However, when an athlete rises through the ranks and becomes a GOAT, people’s expectations increase too. Over time their expectations turn to conjectures. And in no time, people may start holding unrealistic expectations from these athletes.

First swimming experience of Michael Phelps

Although it is absurd to form such unrealistic assumptions, that is how the mind of fans works. They work towards deifying their favorite athletes and long for them to hold that position forever.

Looking at Phelps’ swift strokes, some may feel that the Olympian could always swim. However, that is not the case and Phelps also said something in the same vein during an interview.

Addressing this issue, the 28-time Olympic medalist wrote, “You would think that on the first day I hit the water I just sort of turned into a dolphin and never wanted to leave the pool.”

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“No way. I hated it. We’re talking screaming, kicking fit-throwing, goggle-tossing hate,” the swimmer added.

What it takes to learn swimming?

Learning a new sport is not easy. It becomes all the more difficult when one needs to hone a whole set of skills to perform simple tasks like floating. And since water is not an element we are generally familiar with, it takes time to get used to its feel.

But just getting accustomed to the element would not do. One would need to keep upskilling themselves to rise to Phelps’ position. And the winningest swimmer did not have it easy either.

Even he had to learn all the techniques and skills associated with the sport. And that is not the end either. After mastering the strokes, he put in long, arduous hours of training to be able to reach the position he is in today.

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Therefore, hard work, practice, and patience are keys to learning and mastering new skills.