Life beyond the pool

Article by: RACHEL BLOUNT , Star Tribune
Updated: May 22, 2012 - 10:33 PM

Rachel Bootsma doesn't regret missing proms while pursuing an Olympic dream.

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Willy53May. 2, 12 5:04 AM

I found this reporting fascinating. Very challenging balancing act for Rachel's parents and herself. Were they not good at it Rachel wouldn't be so successful. When you can couple natural ability with the right people and environment the sky's the limit. Good Luck to Rachel!

fa11manMay. 2, 12 6:02 AM

Totally agree with Willy's comment. So much fun to read about the dedication and I can't wait to see this girl swim in London!

roymercerMay. 2, 12 8:10 AM

Rachel - take it from an adult. Prom is highly overrated, too costly and quickly forgotten. You're making the right decision.

knucklebrainMay. 2, 12 9:45 AM

I admire anyone who makes this kind of commitment to anything. I just hope she has a life after swimming and I hope she doesn't look back with regrets at basically giving up her teen years. It's easy to say it doesn't matter and that prom is no big deal, but anyone with lofty goals always meets with disappointment eventually. Even Michael Jordan has had his ups and downs. Sounds like this kid comes from a good family so that will help her down the road and she is obviously very gifted at swimming. I wish her well.

mixie7May. 2, 12 9:51 AM

I guess any extreme may result in regrets. I read this article and would have LOVED to have been that good at something, and dedicated myself to something unique and skipped all the stupid high school drama like proms, parties, and other shallow teen rights of passage.

sn8wman1May. 2, 1210:00 AM

Way to go Rachel - You are already representing this great country of ours with a fine example! I wish you all the best & good luck!

carbonbigfutMay. 2, 1210:45 AM

Prom: $1000, and highly overrated. Getting into the Olympics: Priceless.

davehougMay. 2, 1211:40 AM

asking somebody who knows: "they regularly spend $750 on racing suits that last for only a few competitions." HOW THE HECK can a swimsuit wear out????? What is it about the suit that can go bad after a few times???

liondragonMay. 2, 12 6:17 PM

Davehoug, the best way I can probably explain it is that the major companies produce racing suits that can only repel water really well for 1-3 competitions. They wear down very quickly; much different than a practice suit. Also if I remember right, the suits have a coating on the outside of the suit that helps it repel better at first, but wears out quickly. That is what makes the suit look shiny in the water.

dorkeemnMay. 2, 12 9:53 PM

The fabric and coatings break down because of the chlorine and chemicals in the water. These also aren't your average swim suits that you get at Target or Macy's. In fact I doubt it if even Foss or Pure Blue carries them.

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Life beyond the pool

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