A Journey in Swimming and Lifesaving
Tegan Oliver’s journey as a dual-discipline athlete began at just seven years old when her mother spotted an advertisement for RLSS Lifesaving at their local swimming pool. From the start, Tegan was captivated by the challenge and purpose of lifesaving. As she grew, her passion for the sport deepened, inspiring her to remain committed and eventually take on a coaching role to pass on her knowledge to younger athletes.
The Intersection of Swimming and Lifesaving
Tegan’s foundation in swimming at Guisborough Amateur Swimming Club played a significant role in her development as a lifesaver. Through rigorous training in both disciplines, she built confidence in the water and gained a strong technical base that benefitted both her swimming performance and lifesaving skills. The endurance and technique honed in swimming translated seamlessly into her lifesaving abilities, making her a well-rounded athlete.
Proudest Achievements
Tegan has already achieved notable milestones in both disciplines. In lifesaving, earning her Bronze Medallion and Distinction Award stands out as a testament to her dedication and skill. She has also successfully passed her lifeguard qualification, further cementing her commitment to water safety. Meanwhile, in swimming, her standout moment was competing in the 800m freestyle at galas, a race that challenged her endurance and determination.
Coaching: A New Chapter
Tegan’s coaching journey began as part of her Duke of Edinburgh Award, where she started assisting at her swimming club. Recognizing her potential, she was later invited to coach lifesaving as well. What began as a way to fulfill program requirements quickly evolved into a passion for mentoring others. Helping younger swimmers and lifesavers achieve their own goals has become a fulfilling part of her athletic journey.
Balancing Responsibilities
Managing the demands of swimming, lifesaving, coaching, and personal life has been a challenge, particularly with the added pressures of exams and involvement in drama. However, Tegan has learned to prioritize and stay organized, ensuring that coaching remains a key focus in her schedule. Her dedication and time-management skills allow her to juggle these responsibilities effectively.
The Challenges and Rewards of Being a Dual-Discipline Athlete
Being involved in both swimming and lifesaving comes with unique challenges, such as the difficulty of balancing focus between the two. However, Tegan believes that the disciplines complement each other, with swimming refining her technique and endurance, which in turn enhances her lifesaving performance. While it can be demanding, she remains committed to both, recognizing the invaluable skills and experiences each offers.
The Role of Mentors and Volunteers
Tegan attributes much of her success to the guidance and encouragement she has received from coaches and volunteers. Their feedback and support have played a crucial role in shaping her journey, inspiring her to give back in the same way by mentoring younger athletes.
Future Aspirations: Lifeguarding and Teaching
Looking ahead, Tegan is eager to become a lifeguard and potentially a swimming instructor. Having already achieved her lifeguard qualification, she is well on her way to ensuring that future generations have the skills and confidence to stay safe in the water. She finds joy in teaching others and hopes to help children achieve their swimming goals while fostering a love for lifesaving.
Advice for Aspiring Dual-Athletes
For young athletes considering taking up both swimming and lifesaving, Tegan’s advice is simple: “Do it, enjoy it, and get as much out of it as possible.” She encourages others to embrace the challenge, as the rewards far outweigh the difficulties.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Tegan hopes that her journey will inspire others in the Swim England North East Region to explore dual disciplines. By leading by example, she wants to show younger athletes that balancing swimming and lifesaving is not only possible but also incredibly rewarding. Through hard work, passion, and the right support, she believes that others can follow in her footsteps and make a meaningful impact in both sports.
If you are a dual-athlete in the North East, or want support/advice to become one – get in touch with Jay through jay.manners@swimnortheast.org
