Commentary: They’re More Than Their Times – Supporting Team USA with Compassion
With the pool competition at the 2025 World Championships about to begin, swimmers from around the globe are preparing to represent their countries on one of the biggest stages in our sport. We’ll be watching from home, cheering for Team USA with pride and excitement. We’ll be glued to our screens, holding our breath during every final, and hoping for fast swims and medal-worthy performances.
But as the action unfolds on television and social media fills with reactions, there’s something important we all need to remember. These athletes aren’t just names on a heat sheet or faces in a TV broadcast. They’re human beings.
And they’re watching, too.
Somewhere between the Instagram posts and Facebook comments, the celebration of our National Team can quickly shift into criticism. One race doesn’t go the way we had hoped, and suddenly the comments turn negative. People ask what went wrong. They suggest the athlete didn’t want it enough. They question their training, their choices, their mindset. These are the kinds of things we’ve all seen online, and they show up far too often, especially after a disappointing finish.
It’s easy to forget that the swimmers we admire, the ones we hope will bring home gold, are carrying a lot more than our expectations. They’re managing pressure, nerves, fatigue, and sometimes even injuries. They’re thinking about race strategies, family support, sponsors, and how they’re being perceived in real time. And after all of that, they’re diving into a pool to represent our country.
That deserves respect, not harsh judgment.
Within the world of swimming, the expectations placed on Team USA are consistently high. We’re proud of our legacy. We’ve watched heroes like Phelps, Ledecky, and Dressel make history, and we want to see those performances continue. But supporting Team USA means more than clapping when they win. It also means having their backs when things don’t go perfectly.
Social media has made it easier than ever to share opinions, but it’s also created a culture where some people feel entitled to criticize athletes without knowing the full story. Behind every race is a journey we don’t see. There are early mornings, long days, physical pain, and mental strain. There are personal challenges and sacrifices that rarely get mentioned in post-race analysis.
When we treat athletes like they’re only valuable if they win, we send the wrong message. We tell them that their worth is tied to their results. That unless they hit the podium, they’ve somehow let us down. And for young athletes watching at home, that message can be just as damaging.
Instead, we have the chance to be different. We can choose to be the kind of fans who celebrate resilience, not just victory. We can applaud the courage it takes to show up on the world stage, knowing that millions are watching and judging every move. We can recognize that a fourth-place finish can still be a personal best. That making the team in the first place is already an incredible accomplishment.
Let’s also remember that this team is made up of people at different points in their careers. Some are making their international debut, while others are trying to finish their careers on a high note. Some are balancing school, jobs, or new pressures that come with being a recognizable face in the sport. Every swimmer has a story that goes beyond the scoreboard.
So as the World Championships unfold, I hope we can all watch with a little more empathy. Cheer loudly. Celebrate the medals. But also be kind in the moments that don’t go perfectly. Our athletes are giving everything they have to represent us. The least we can do is return the favor with encouragement and grace.
Let’s be proud of the people behind the performances. Let’s honor the hard work, the bravery, and the heart it takes to race for your country. And when the cameras turn off and the pool quiets down, let’s still be in their corner.
They’re more than their times. They’re people. And they deserve our support – every step of the way.
