Swimming is often referred to as an individual sport. In the competition you are assigned a lane, a heat and you compete for your time. So answer a question, to demonstrate its nature of individuality, at seven hundred meters of the macabre fifteen hundred, when the lactic acid has accumulated and your body has the sensation of giving in, what pushes you beyond a point never reached before? The muffled sound of a team's celebration, or seeing a friend charge into the crowd waving their arms in the air, is all I need to keep going and represent my team in a race to the finish line. In addition to cheering during races, it is important to always have the encouragement of your teammates in training, at school and even in more personal matters. A team gives you a sense of belonging or a sense of discouragement that takes you away from your true potential. A team's community extends far beyond the athletes to their parents. A team where everyone is recognized for what they do/can do versus a special “elite” group of swimmers leads to a new level of pride and confidence for younger athletes. Finally, the coach's philosophy is a critical component to an athlete's success. One may believe in narrowing the field to natural talents and the other coach strives to develop each individual to their maximum potential. I have been a part of two very different swim clubs in my development as an athlete, both of which helped me achieve my personal best and who I am today in and out of the water. While both the Ajax Aquatic Club and the Whitby Dolphins have helped me develop my talents, skills and confidence, it is through the Whitby Dolphins that I recognize the need for strong interpersonal relationships with teammates, a.. . half of the paper. .....you did this, it was only through the Whitby Dolphins that the need for strong interpersonal relationships with teammates, the importance of mentoring other athletes and the trust provided by a coach who believes in you. It is through both of these clubs that I am who I am today; as fast as I am now and as hardworking (determined) as I am. The positive atmosphere of a team environment developed through interactions between athletes and interaction between athletes and the coach is key to team success. Furthermore, the parental support of all the athletes of the time, purely in recognition of their achievements, is another great boost of confidence that children need to succeed. A negative atmosphere is one in which failure will be seen. It is proven that swimming is a team sport. The athlete can run alone, but he is never alone in that race.