It really depends on what level you're at now. If you're committed to this dream, your first step is finding a pool and a private coach, and a LOT of time. And since you're in high school (a rising sophomore, I assume), swimming won't be your only responsibility--your coursework is only going to increase from here on out. I'm not saying that it's impossible--a senior at my local high school who just graduated into Stanford was a Junior Olympian who kept his grades up on the side, but he toiled long and hard to get there. He trained every day of the week, even on Christmas. And that's normal. You will, almost literally, be living in the pool.

If I were to generalize, I'd say that four years won't give you enough time to prepare for Rio. Yes, swimmers like Ryan Lochte didn't start taking the sport seriously until high school, but he had previous international experience. That isn't to say that you can't try your hardest by rising to competitions on the national and international level, and seeing what the National Olympic Committee thinks in 2016. If you're not selected, 2020 will be a much more realistic goal, since you'll be out of high school and able to completely focus on training. Best of luck, whatever you choose.

Tough to answer this question without knowing skill level, especially in light of the fact I am not a swim coach. I would suggest joining a swim club would be a good start...your coaches can tell you if you are on track to become an Olympian. Good luck.

from what i've read ur dream isnt that realistic becuz if u look at olympic swimmers most if not all started at a very young age and were already some of the best and the best swimmers in the club you may be joining probably wont make it into the olympics so you have 4 years to become the best swimmer in your country and you also have to pick an event to compete in and you have to be the best in that event(s) so realisticly no ur dream probably wont happen but there's no reason not to try. best of luck

4 years is possible if you're absolutely amazing already which is probably unlikely. 8 years would be better and you have far more time to train and not to worry about the fact that there's a lot of work to do. You need a hell of a lot of training and then some in order to make it. Most people don't make it; it's very, very hard.

That shouldn't mean you won't! Most people won't make it to the olypmics, but be the exception: be the person who does make it. Good luck! :D

*I'm sorry you didn't think of this sooner. If it had been your dream, then why are you just now asking how you can make it to the Olympics? You may have a chance, but you are going to have to start living in a pool!

Honestly if you are seriously dedicated and believe in yourself and work hard I say yes. I believe in you! Can't wait to see you win! (:

i want to become an olympic swimmer. I know there is a lot of hard work and dedication in becoming an olympian, but its my dream.

I have experience in swimming but have never swam competitively. I can swin well but not a fast as people in a club obviously.

If i joined a swimming club now and trained very hard with a coach over the next four years, everyday, do you think i could make the Rio 2016 olympics? please be realistic! Thanks in advance :)