“You’re an animal…”

…is a great compliment for swimmers, either training or racing. But it is much less a compliment when stated to someone on land.

“Conditions were terrible…”

…is a credit to a swimmer’s ability to handle rough water conditions or extreme water temperatures. But it is much less a good thing when referring to land-based situations.

“Those marks look bad…”

…is a credit to a swimmer’s ability to withstand venomous jellyfish stings or tolerate irritating chafing. But it is much less a compliment when discussing skin irritations on land.

“You wolved down that bar…”

…is a compliment when quickly downing food during a feeding stop. But it is much less of a compliment when talking about one’s eating habits on land.

Photo shows Yasunari Hirai of Japan.

Copyright © 2014 by World Open Water Swimming Association