Competition
In Amateur Competition, "B", "BB", "A", "AA", "AAA" and "AAAA" times are used. B times are the slowest, then BB times are a little faster, then A times are faster and so on. For example, if you go 36 seconds in the 50 freestyle, and that is a "B" time, your goal might be to go 34 seconds which might be a "BB" time. The elite Amateur swimmers usually are known as "A" swimmers, because that means they have "A" times or faster. "AAAA" swimmers usually will qualify to compete in Sectionals and Nationals. Although this system seems confusing it is actually quite simple.
Once at the "Elite level" there is an order of Competition at swim meets. The order goes as follows; Sectionals, U.S Open, Nationals, Olympic Trials, and the Olympic Games. If a swimmer makes a sectional time this means they are eligible to compete in there time zone. So, if someone from Pennsylvania would make a sectional time they might go to Baltimore MD, or New York to compete against everyone in the eastern U.S. If someone from California made a sectional time they might go to Nevada to compete. If a swimmer has an "AAAA" time they most likely qualify fr sectionals.
If a swimmer makes a U.S Open cut, this means they qualify to swim in a meet which involves the entire United States. Nationals run the same way except that they are a little bit faster times. Not only can an individual swimmer qualify for these meets but relay teams can qualify as well.
The U.S Olympic trials trials, is an absolute honor to qualify for. If a swimmer qualifies for the Olympic trials, this means they have the opportunity to qualify for the Olympic Games. The top 16 fastest woman and top 16 fastest men are chosen for each event. Two more men and women will be brought as well as an alternate, incase one of the original 16 athletes would get hurt.
When a swimmer turns professional, it's probably not for the money. Unlike most athletes (like football, basketball player) swimmers do not make their money strictly on competition, and they don't make anywhere near as much money. Professional swimmers will usually make most of their money by doing advertisements, and by wearing clothes, which sponsors will pay them for.
