by: Mariah Sturdivant
Published on April 17th, 2022
On April 16th, 2021 I touched the wall completing my last ever swim race in my swimming career. Now, almost a year later, me and two other of my older siblings, have officially all accomplished this moment. I interviewed my siblings about their experiences as being African American swimmers and here is how it went:
Anfernee
Anfernee is one (of the four) of my oldest brothers. He graduated in 2018 as well as retired from swimming. Starting at the age of ten or eleven, Anfernee finished his swimming career at the age of twenty-one.
After being asked about what his experience with swimming as an African American his response was, “it was uncomfortable at times,” then proceeded to describe it as a ‘lunchroom test’. Anfernee described it as trying to 'sit with' or connect with people who look like you or, but sometimes, no one comes up to you. As the years progressed things started to change in college and the environment started to become a little bit better.
There was no upfront racism that Anfernee confronted, but he says there may have been some 'behind the scenes' or little things that seemed racist. For instance, if a Caucasian swimmer talks back to the coach it would be considered as them 'having a bad day, but if an African American swimmer talks back to the coach they would be considered 'sassy' or 'ghetto'. Despite all of the barriers, Anfernee says that he is very proud of his swimming career and there was little to no pressure put onto him because of the color of his skin, even though there were times when people would get upset in races when they were beaten by someone that looked like him.
A message that Anfernee would like to share with other young African American children that want to become swimmers is this:
"Focus on yourself and block out all the other outside noise you may hear from others . And always remember "you are your ancestors wildest dreams. So many blacks back in the day would have loved to be at the level of swimming or would've loved how to learn to swim. So you are already making a difference"
Angel
Angel Sturdivant had similar upbringings as Anfernee in terms of swimming. She started at the age around eight and finished at the age of twenty-two. However, the only difference is she is the first female in the family to compete at a collegiate level of a sport and finish. As a kid, she didn't think too much of being an African American swimmer since she was still in a 'playful mood'. She used to play around in the water with her cousins and being in the water was just fun and games for her. It wasn't until she joined a club team that she felt 'out of place' due to the lack of African American swimmers. At competitions, she would receive stares and that's when the uncomfortableness started to sink in. Luckily, that didn't have too much effect on Angel in high school all the way up until her retirement from swimming in 2020.
When asked about the racism that Angel may or may not have experienced she said she never experienced any but 'expected racial situations', but nothing of that matter ever occurred. She also stated that she would never surround herself with people of that mindset and if she did she would usually speak up for herself.
There was no pressure to perform better than her other teammates, but Angel did want to prove herself. She then further said, "I don't want to put too much pressure on myself. I wasn't worried about what other people were doing, I was only focused on what I was doing."
The quote that Angel would like to say to any aspiring African American swimmers is this:
"Don't be intimidated because there are going to be times when you walk into swim meets or practice and you're the only black person there , you can't let that intimidate you. You have to go in and do the best you can , but not for other people, but yourself. And keep your pride because as you continue swimming you're going to notice yourself change and grow as a person just remember to be modest and humble."
Mariah
After a very long swim career, I was the last one in my family to complete a collegiate sport. I started swimming when I was seven and retired when I was twenty-two. My experience with being an African American swimmer was that there was a point when I just stopped caring about if I was the only person of color in the pool, or on the pool deck. For many years I grew up being the only POC (person of color) on the pool deck and when club swimming or college swimming came around I would become 'desensitized' and expected to not only be the only African American swimmer but also the only POC on the pool deck.
young Mariah at a swim meet
I didn't experience any racism while swimming. I honestly don't even know if I was expecting it or not. As I said, once you grow up in that environment it is sort of like it doesn't even cross your mind anymore. I just swam, talked to my teammates, and went about my day. Plus, I really didn't care what people thought or said about me because at the end of the day I'm living my life the way that I want to.
The pressure that I put on myself slowly started to evaporate as the years went on. Ninety-nine percent of swimming is confidence so I didn't put much pressure on myself because to put pressure on yourself means that you are not prepared, and that is not the kind of mindset that you want to go into while competing. I always kept a positive mindset and once you start competing with your teammates you start comparing and that is not healthy to compare yourself to others, especially in a sport like swimming.
I am incredibly proud of myself and all of my swimming accomplishments. I accomplished so many unexpected things that I never thought would happen. I wanted to quit at times, I even wanted to quit when I was so close to being done, but I didn't, and finishing my swimming career will always be my proudest achievement.
A message that I would like to say to the future African American swimmers is this:
"Swimming can get real competitive at times, but please do not lose yourself in the competition. I know that you have this willpower to prove other people wrong, but do it with integrity. Never settle, always strive. Also if you see someone else at a competition that have the same skin color as you, just know that a change is coming and be proud of yourself for being a part of it. I know I am"
For resources for 'learn -to- swim lessons' or if your child wants to join a swim team go to Chicago Park District | The Official Website of the Chicago Park District, and register at your local pool.
Beautifully written. I’m so proud of you’ll!
I was so excited to read this. Thanks for interviewing me, can’t wait to read more from you!