Today I received an email from New Zealand Post. It said, “A parcel or packet has been screened and assessed by New Zealand Customs Service as a commercial or business shipment and is now being held by New Zealand Post pending Customs release.”
The note went on to tell me what I needed to do to have the parcel delivered. I was happy to do that because I knew what the parcel contained. It was the author’s copies of my new book, “Shaping Successful Junior Swimmers”. When you write a book for German publishers Meyer & Meyer, the contract includes half a dozen copies of the final product.
The notice prompted me to go to the Meyer & Meyer website and see if the book was for sale. AND IT IS! For any readers that are interested here is the link to the books website page.
https://www.m-m-sports.com/water-sports/shaping-successful-junior-swimmers.html
The page goes on to explain what the book is about. Here is a copy of what it says.
| Shaping Successful Junior Swimmers Build a Foundation. Streamline Your Training. Create Winners.
For three decades, David Wright has coached international swimmers who began their swimming careers in his Learn to Swim program, and this book is based on his experience guiding these swimmers. Wright saw many pitfalls that resulted in the sport losing 80% of its participants in their early teenage years—pitfalls that resulted in swimmers ending their careers broken and disillusioned. Shaping Successful Junior Swimmers examines the nature of the sport’s early dropout rate and proposes steps to correct the problem. It discusses qualities that should be present in good conditioning and speed training programs as well as why these qualities encourage continued participation and championship performance. Also included are danger signs of poor programs that cause early dropout. In addition to important training factors are the decisions and behavior outside the pool that coaches, parents, administrators, and national federations can make and do to extend and improve every swimmer’s involvement in the sport. Swimming champions are the product of good care in and out of the pool, and using this book provides the means for that good care.
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Because the book is published in Europe and printed in the United States its primary focus is on the American and European markets. My previous book “Swim to the Top” reached number seven in the United States on the Amazon.com water sport’s best sellers list. However I am particularly interested in finding out what New Zealanders think. After all, the book involves many events that happened in New Zealand. Therefore although I only have half a dozen copies I am happy to send them to any journalist, retailer, commentator, coach or association who would be interested in a read. There is just one condition. When you finish the book you must put pen to paper and write a review. It certainly does not have to be good. Your honest opinion is all I ask. Good, bad or indifferent. Then post the opinion on whatever medium you control.
If you would like and are able to do that send me an email to nzdaw@yahoo.co.nz and I will send you a copy of the book.
Obviously I have two interests in making this request. First I want to see the book as widely known as possible. And second, I am particularly interested in hearing a wide a range of opinions on what the book says. Dropout from the sport of swimming is a serious problem. If this book can stir up debate on the subject, then swimming will improve.
If any retailer reads this report and is interested in stocking the book also send me an email and I can put you in touch with the appropriate wholesaler.
And finally I look forward to an early email from Swimming New Zealand. I know the subject of successful junior swimming must be close to their hearts. The New Zealand 80% dropout rate cannot have escaped their attention. I can’t imagine there are many books on the subject of swimming in New Zealand published internationally by New Zealanders. This book might just be a wise investment of Swimming New Zealand resources, a certainty for the Johns office bookcase. I certainly plan to keep one free copy in reserve waiting for Steve Johns’ or Bruce Cotterill’s email. We will see LOL.
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