Authors show that the most imprtant thing to do is to prepare to do well the first time! They compare the reality as a PERCEIVED CHALLENGE versus the ACTUAL CHALLENGE and explain strategies to prepare (physically, mentaly, technically, tactically) effectively for a successful Nationals - turning NATIONAL AGE into a NATIONAL`s RAGE. It's important also to prepare for the worst or to have several warm-up strategies (and to swim fast with each of them). Summary: The "lose one to win one" approach has been a popular way of preparing swimmers to succeed at major championships but it is inherently flawed. Coaches should aim to prepare swimmers to compete successfully at the meet being targeted and to be able to effectively deal with the REAL and ACTUAL challenges the meet presents. To do this, coaches should fully understand the environment and challenges unique to the meet and prepare effectively to deal with them. Coaches should consider all the challenges - physical / mental / technical and tactical - of the championship environment rather than concentrating on the physical aspects alone. Whilst swimming associations make every possible effort to provide a competition environment conducive to fast swimming, swimmers and coaches should expect the unexpected and learn to overcome any obstacles through prior planning and thorough detailed preparation. Importantly, excuses do not win races. Looking back at a "lost" national age or championship meet and complaining that "if only I had a better warm up" or "if only I had better food to eat the night before" or "if only I would have had more rest" do not bring back lost opportunities. Get it right the first time by preparing to meet the actual challenges of the competition environment.
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