Life as a coach is undoubtedly hectic. By spring, at the start of track and field season, it can feel as if they’re being pulled in ten different directions. Between demanding parents, difficult student athletes, and a jam-packed schedule of practices and meets, it befits the coach to practice a few time-management techniques.

Make no mistake about it — swimming can be an extreme form of cardio. Depending on your weight and swimming intensity, you can burn between 500 and 800 calories per hour taking laps (or just splashing around) in the pool. While taking the occasional dip and sticking to a healthy diet can be a great way to lose weight, competitive swimmers, however, need to carefully consider their nutrition plans to make sure that they’re getting a solid balance of nutrients. Food is fuel — but as any gas station attendant (or coach / trainer!) will tell you, not all fuel is created equal. Here’s a guide to fueling up with a perfect mix of the best foods for swimming.

Swimming as a popular recreation has been practiced since almost the beginning of time. We know this thanks to the mentions it gets in such famous works of literature such as the Iliad, Beowulf, and the Odyssey. But it was not until the 1830s in England that swimming emerged as a competitive sport.

There are days when coaching and training don't seem to be worth it. Those are the days that distinguish between champions and non-champions. Olympians face those days, too. This is what they learned, and what motivated them to reach the podium.

When most people think of the overall Olympic swimming medal counts, their thoughts immediately jump right toward the United States' accomplished swimmers. Indeed, the United States reigns supreme when it comes to Olympic swimming competitions. In total, the United States has 488 Olympic swimming medals. Out of those medals, 214 are gold 155 are silver and 119 are bronze.