How to Keep Track of Your Medal Count in Open Water Swimming

If you love open water swimming, you probably chase medals like a badge of honor. Knowing exactly how many you’ve earned helps you set goals, brag a little, and see where you stand against other clubs. The good news? You don’t need a fancy spreadsheet or a coach’s notebook. A few easy tools and habits will give you a clear picture of your medal tally.

Pick a Simple Logging Method

Start with whatever you already use daily. Most swimmers have a phone, so a notes app works fine. Write the event name, date, and the medal you won (gold, silver, bronze). If you prefer a visual layout, a small table in Google Sheets does the trick – you can sort by year or event type whenever you like. The key is consistency: add a new entry right after each race, no matter how small.

Include the Right Details

Don’t just write "won medal" – include the race distance, water temperature, and location. For example: "June 12, 2024 – 5km Lake District – Gold – 28:45 mins – 12°C". Those extra bits help you spot patterns, like whether you perform better in cooler water or shorter distances. Over time you’ll see which conditions boost your performance and which need more training.

Another handy tip is to note the club you represented. If you swim for multiple clubs, this lets you compare which team’s events bring more podium finishes. Some swimmers even add a quick photo of the medal or the prize ceremony – visual reminders keep motivation high.

Use Club Resources and Online Platforms

Many open water clubs have member portals where you can upload race results. Check if Open Water Swim Clubs offers a leaderboard or a medal tracker. If they do, entering your data there not only backs up your personal log but also contributes to club rankings. Seeing your name rise on a public board adds an extra boost of pride.

Websites that host race results, like regional swimming federations, often let you export CSV files. Import those into your personal sheet to avoid double‑typing. It’s a quick way to keep everything up‑to‑date after a busy competition weekend.

Review and Celebrate Regularly

Set a monthly reminder to glance over your medal list. Spot trends – maybe you’ve collected three golds in 10km races but only one bronze in 2km events. Use those insights to tweak your training plan. And don’t forget to celebrate! Share a snapshot on social media, or tell your training buddies. Recognition fuels future success.

Finally, remember that medals are markers, not the whole story. Your progress, endurance, and love for the water matter just as much. A tidy medal count gives you a clear snapshot, but the real win is staying in the water and enjoying every splash.