Chapter 13. The Sport of a Lifetime: Swimming from 8 to 108

ELSEWHERE IN THIS book I have talked about the fitness revolution that has swept America and many other nations since the early 1970s. Despite the fact that this revolution has affected only a minority of men and women, it has had a major impact on our nation’s health statistics: death rates from heart disease have declined significantly, and many Americans are now living longer, healthier lives.

Sadly, one large and important group of people has been left almost untouched by the fitness revolution: America’s children. Put simply, American kids are grossly out of shape. As a result of inactivity, too much television, poor nutrition, and lack of parental guidance, they have become little butterballs. And they are becoming fatter and less active every year.