Swimmers are a tight nit group of interesting peeps just like an A cappella group. Swimmers are Aka-awkward people who enjoy staring at and circling a black line. Here are some other clear signs to spot a swimmer:

1. Running is the worst idea ever (ALWAYS)

You can be in sick shape for swimming and land sports are just not the same. Who the heck wants to run for fun? Not a swimmer.

2. Packing bags ahead of time saves life

For 5AM practices it is essential to crawl out of bed and just grab a packed bag. Being prepared for you entire day the night before practice is the only way to ensure you won't just crawl back into bed and skip (another) morning practice. It also promises that you won't forget to bring underwear.

3. Wet hair do not care

Parents and elders are always going to point out that your hair is wet and its cold out. “You’re going to sick.” Wet hair is a part of life that simply no longer phases swimmers. Hats are also a thing.

4. Chlorine is not a bad scent

It is nothing like sweaty football or hockey equipment. It's a clean and unique smell that becomes just a part of everyday life. Another fun fact for swimmers if you like your skin regardless of how many showers you take there is that smell again ahh so soothing.

5. People always underestimate your athleticism

Oh you swim… that's fun. That is simply not a functioning sentence. Swimming is not fun it is the hardest most intense full body exercise one can complete. And our practices are far longer and more often than any other sport by the way.

6. People mock one pieces and caps

Yes, we wear full pieces; we all do. It’s not possible to sport a bikini through our practices. And yes we wear caps to keep our hair out of the way. But no caps do not keep our hair from getting wet.

7. Skin tights suits would make great spanks

If you swam you know it is normal to spend more than 30 minutes squeezing your body into a fastskin for competition. Yes they rip often and no our suits are not the “correct” size. But once on, whoooo they are slimming!

8. Goggle marks are hot

Embrace them you had a good workout and those marks are a reminder. You can do all you want to get them to fade but if you are wearing goggle everyday they may start to seem permanent.

9. Missing a night out for sleep is a thing

“Sorry I can’t make it,” is a pretty common occurrence when you had practice in the afternoon and practice bright and early the next day. If you do ever go out the next morning is more brutal than imaginable.

10. Always a good time for a snack

If you are a swimmer or ever were one your appetite is incredible. You always are hungry and up for food at all times. As long as you keep up the exercising you can continue to pig out. But a reminder a lot of swim coaches that used to be swimmers are pretty chunky. Swimmers appetite plus no more swimming = danger.

11. “Did you win the meet?” Is the worst question a non-swimmer can ask!

No I did not win the meet against 1000 other swimmers of all ages and genders. Swimming is a confusing individual sport with a sometimes team aspect. So no don’t ask me if I won the meet.

12. “You swam 500 laps?” is asked

No we swam 500’s and they are only 20 laps and you really know nothing about the sport!

13. “Are you going to the Olympics?” Is a love/hate question

No, unfortunately I am not going to the Olympics, but it is pretty awesome that you know so little about swimming that you ask all swimmers that same unrealistic question. Secretly we swimmers are not offended by this question because it really is a compliment. On that note we would respond with maybe even though for it was always a HARD no.