Swimmer's Daily

  • Carolyn Schuler of the Berkeley (CA) Swim Club won two gold medals at the 1960 Olympic Games and was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1989

  • Swimming and Diving recruiting experts Danny Koenig and Jeff Smith cover every aspect of recruiting during COVID-19.

  • This Music Monday we feature the fantastic appearance of Italy’s Artistic Swimming duet at the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio. Linda Cerruti and Constanza Ferro have chosen the “Sweet Dreams” version by Emily Browning from the Sucker Punch soundtrack for their Free Routine. Enjoy watching their terrific performance to this special song!

  • Surfer Mike Coots lost his leg to a shark attack, but he wouldn’t let that keep him from the water. Now, he’s teaming up with Ocean Ramsey Water Inspired to save these often-misunderstood creatures.

  • The researchers found that super champions were characterized by an almost fanatical reaction to challenge.” They viewed challenges in a positive light — as opportunities to grow — and overcame them thanks to a “never satisfied” attitude. This runs in contrast to almost champions, who blamed setbacks on external causes, became negative, and lost motivation. Although athletes in each group faced comparable challenges, the researchers write, their responses — “what the athletes brought to the challenges” — were quite distinct.

    Read The Cut

    champions photo
    Image courtesy of 272447, Pixabay License Free for commercial use, No attribution required

  • The one-year delay of the 2020 Summer Games was officially agreed to on March 24 by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, and the new schedule — the Olympics from July 23 to Aug 8, 2021 and the Paralympics from Aug 24 to Sept 5. — announced a week later.

    A week after that, Abe declared a state of emergency for Tokyo and other prefectures, effectively multiplying the challenges of the Tokyo organizing committee which is now working through the logistical nightmare mainly from home.

    Organizing staff still get sent out, however, for missions deemed essential tasks, like negotiating with venue operators to secure their facilities’ availability — an undertaking organizers are seeking to achieve at any cost in order to limit major disruptions to the competition schedule.

    One of the biggest challenges for the host nation is the burden of additional costs generated by the postponement. Amid fears of a serious recession in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, Tokyo is facing several hundred billion yen in extra costs, a prospect sure to stoke negative public opinion at a critical time.

    Read Japan Today

    japan covid-19 photo
    Photo by wuestenigel

  • A lull in boat traffic and a ban on fishing in Istanbul forced by the coronavirus has proved good news for some of the city’s longest-standing and most-loved inhabitants — the dolphins that swim in the fish-rich waters of the Bosphorus Strait between Europe and Asia, and that are becoming easier to spot. The city of 16 million has been under lockdown since Thursday as part of government measures to stem the spread of the virus.

  • The feeling of having water inside your ears after a shower or some swimming can be quite uncomfortable and even painful if you have sensitive ears. Of course, you can try to tap the water out of your ear by tilting your head but doing that every time you swim can be quite annoying. This is the reason why we have to do something to prevent it and the best and easiest way to do this is by buying swimming earplugs. They are affordable and easily available, but is there anything you should know before you buy them? Let’s take a closer look at what you should pay attention to.

    ear plugs photo
    Image courtesy of 422737, Pixabay License Free for commercial use, No attribution required

    What to look for in quality earplugs?

    Choose the correct type of earplugs

    In our case, we want to buy swimming earplugs so choose ones specially designed for that. There are other types like earplugs for sleeping or shooting, but these are not designed to block out water.

    Pay attention to the fit and size

    If you are really into swimming, you can always get some custom earplugs that can be adjusted to the shape of your ears. On the other hand, you can choose disposable earplugs and they come only in one size. You should also pay attention to how easy is to put them into your ears. We say this because with some earplugs you will have to help your child in case they fall out.

    Is Color Important?

    You may think that the color of the earplugs is just a decoration. Well, keep this in mind – in case they fall out it will be easier to find them if they are brightly colored.

    Build Materials

    Most often when we buy earplugs for swimming, we will buy silicone ones. They are affordable and great for children because they can put them in on their own in case they fall out. However, this material is like putty and it can collect dirt or earwax so we don’t recommend them.

    There are also earplugs made of soft plastics and rubber. They are washable, but they can contain latex which is not good for people with allergies.

    Take care of the shape

    There are conical earplugs with ribs, just like an accordion. These ribs fold in when you put the earplugs into the ears and form a barrier against water and at the same time, they block our noise. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about noise protection. Noise blocking is great since you can also use them for sleeping. However, they can easily fall out once they lose suction. There are also ergonomic earplugs which are very comfortable and fit the ear perfectly.

    5 Best Earplugs for Swimming: What we like and don’t like

    Mack’s AquaBlock Swimming Earplugs

    The good sides of these earplugs are that they are made from silicone. They are reusable, washable and there is a carry bag included. There are four colors to choose from and as a huge bonus there is a one-year warranty.

    What we don’t like about them is that they are not for children.

    Speedo Ergo Swimming Earplugs

    These earplugs are molded from rubber, affordable, and easy to use.  They are ergonomically designed and extremely comfortable.  They come with a case and they are produced by a popular brand.

    We don’t like the fact that they come in one size and color only. Because of the size, they are not for children and wearing a swimming cap with them can be a problem.

    TYR Silicone Molded Earplugs

    The thing we like about these earplugs is the carrying case, they are silicone molded, washable and can fir several ear sizes. They come in two colors to choose from.

    What we don’t like is that they are not for children and can’t be used interchangeably.

    Putty Buddies Original Swimming Earplugs

    These earplugs are made from silicone. They are affordable and comfortable. You can use them more than once and are not limited to one ear size.

    What we don’t like is that in order for children to use them they will need the help of an adult. Also, if you are wearing a swimming cap you won’t be able to use these.

    Walgreens Soft Silicone Earplugs

    One pack contains six pairs which is excellent. They are made from silicone and you can use them interchangeably. They are not for adults only; they can be used by children as well. They block noise partially and there is a money-back guarantee offered by the manufacturer.

    What we don’t like is that they come in one color only, children will need an adult to use them and they aren’t washable.

    To sum things up

    Having problems with your ears is definitely something we don’t want. That is the reason why we have to do everything to protect them while enjoying swimming for example. Buying some good quality earplugs is an affordable and effective way to do that. In the end, it really doesn’t matter how much they cost, what are they made from, or whether they are custom-molded or come in one size. What matters is that they fit you well and do their job

    Guest post by Chris Howard