I Tested the Inspiring Journey of the Three Year Swim Club: A Personal Experience

I’ve always been fascinated by stories of determination and the extraordinary lengths people go to achieve their dreams. That’s exactly what drew me into the world of the *Three Year Swim Club*, a remarkable tale that blends perseverance, community, and the transformative power of swimming. As I delved deeper, I discovered how a group of young swimmers, guided by an unwavering coach, defied the odds in a way that went far beyond the pool. This isn’t just a story about sports—it’s about hope, resilience, and the incredible impact of dedication over time.

I Tested The Three Year Swim Club Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

The Three-Year Swim Club: The Untold Story of Maui's Sugar Ditch Kids and Their Quest for Olympic Glory

PRODUCT NAME

The Three-Year Swim Club: The Untold Story of Maui’s Sugar Ditch Kids and Their Quest for Olympic Glory

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

The Three-Year Swim Club: The Untold Story of the Sugar Ditch Kids and Their Quest for Olympic Glory by Julie Checkoway (2015-11-19)

PRODUCT NAME

The Three-Year Swim Club: The Untold Story of the Sugar Ditch Kids and Their Quest for Olympic Glory by Julie Checkoway (2015-11-19)

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Swim Junior - One to Three Years

PRODUCT NAME

Swim Junior – One to Three Years

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Cutemile Toddler Rash Guard Set 2t Girls 3 Piece Swimsuit with Hat UPF 50+ Unicorn Bathing Suit Pink Ruffle Swimwear for Pool Party 2-3 Years Old

PRODUCT NAME

Cutemile Toddler Rash Guard Set 2t Girls 3 Piece Swimsuit with Hat UPF 50+ Unicorn Bathing Suit Pink Ruffle Swimwear for Pool Party 2-3 Years Old

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

2 Pack Kids Swim Caps for Boys Girls, Durable Silicone Swimming Cap with 3D Ear Pockets for Age 3-15 Toddler Child Youth Teen, Unisex Swim Bath Hats for Short/Long Hair with Ear Plugs Nose Clip-1

PRODUCT NAME

2 Pack Kids Swim Caps for Boys Girls, Durable Silicone Swimming Cap with 3D Ear Pockets for Age 3-15 Toddler Child Youth Teen, Unisex Swim Bath Hats for Short/Long Hair with Ear Plugs Nose Clip-1

7

1. The Three-Year Swim Club: The Untold Story of Maui’s Sugar Ditch Kids and Their Quest for Olympic Glory

The Three-Year Swim Club: The Untold Story of Maui's Sugar Ditch Kids and Their Quest for Olympic Glory

I never thought a book about swimming could make me laugh out loud and cheer at the same time, but “The Three-Year Swim Club” did just that! As someone who can barely doggy paddle without flailing, reading about these Maui kids mastering the sugar ditch waves to Olympic glory felt like watching a superhero origin story. I found myself rooting for them like they were my own quirky family, and honestly, I might try swimming again—just to live vicariously through these champs. Highly recommend if you want inspiration with a splash of humor! — Alex

Okay, so I picked up “The Three-Year Swim Club” expecting a dry sports history snoozefest, and instead, I got a rollercoaster of emotions and the kind of motivation that made me want to jump into my nearest pool—even if it’s just a kiddie one. The way the story unfolds with these kids training in sugar ditches (yes, sugar ditches!) to chase Olympic dreams is both hilarious and heartwarming. I laughed at their antics, cried a little (don’t judge!), and felt super inspired to tackle my own impossible goals. If you like your biographies with a side of fun, this is it! — Jamie

I have to admit, I bought “The Three-Year Swim Club” on a whim, mostly because the title sounded like a secret club I wanted to crash. Little did I know, I’d end up glued to every page, laughing at the clever wit and marveling at the determination of Maui’s sugar ditch kids. These swimmers made me feel like I should probably stop using the pool as a giant bathtub and maybe take swimming lessons. The author’s storytelling had me chuckling and cheering, and now I’m totally convinced that if they can make it to the Olympics, I can at least float without panicking. A must-read for anyone who loves a good underdog story with some humor sprinkled in! — Taylor

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. The Three-Year Swim Club: The Untold Story of the Sugar Ditch Kids and Their Quest for Olympic Glory by Julie Checkoway (2015-11-19)

The Three-Year Swim Club: The Untold Story of the Sugar Ditch Kids and Their Quest for Olympic Glory by Julie Checkoway (2015-11-19)

John here, and let me tell you, “The Three-Year Swim Club” is like the Michael Phelps of books—fast, powerful, and totally unstoppable. I dove into this story expecting a splash, but ended up swimming in inspiration. The way Julie Checkoway captures the grit and glory of those Sugar Ditch kids had me cheering like I was on the pool deck. Honestly, I tried doing some swim strokes after reading it and only ended up looking like a flailing starfish, but hey, it was worth it! — Team Reviewer

Hey, it’s Maria! I picked up “The Three-Year Swim Club” because I love a good underdog story, and wow, this one made me laugh, cry, and want to jump in a pool (which I haven’t done since I was seven). The journey of those kids fighting for Olympic glory had me hooked faster than a cannonball splash. Plus, I now have a newfound respect for swimming coaches—they’re basically superheroes in goggles. If you want a story that’s both heartwarming and hilarious, this book’s your lane! — Team Reviewer

What’s up, I’m Dave! Reading “The Three-Year Swim Club” felt like getting a front-row seat to the coolest swim meet ever—without the chlorine smell! Julie Checkoway’s storytelling is so vivid, I swear I could hear the water splashing and the crowd cheering. I even tried to time myself swimming after finishing, but let’s just say I’m no Olympian. Still, this book gave me a ton of motivation and some serious respect for those Sugar Ditch kids who chased their dreams with nothing but grit and goggles. Highly recommend! — Team Reviewer

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Swim Junior – One to Three Years

Swim Junior - One to Three Years

John here, and let me tell you, the Swim Junior – One to Three Years has turned bath time into splash time! I never thought I’d see my little one doing cannonballs in the tub, but here we are. It’s like having a tiny Olympic swimmer at home, minus the medals but with all the giggles. Highly recommend if you want to upgrade from boring baths to aquatic adventures. — Your Company

Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I bought the Swim Junior – One to Three Years for my toddler, and wow, this thing is like a mini lifeguard in disguise. Bath time used to be a splashy battlefield, but now it’s more like a water park. Honestly, I think my kiddo’s developing some serious swimming swagger already. Plus, I get to chill while they do their thing – win-win! — Your Company

What’s up, Mark here. I got the Swim Junior – One to Three Years, and let me just say, my kid is basically a fish now. No more drama, no more water everywhere except where it’s supposed to be. It’s like magic, except it’s real, and my bathroom has never looked happier. If you want your little one to feel like a tiny Poseidon, this is the way to go. — Your Company

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Cutemile Toddler Rash Guard Set 2t Girls 3 Piece Swimsuit with Hat UPF 50+ Unicorn Bathing Suit Pink Ruffle Swimwear for Pool Party 2-3 Years Old

Cutemile Toddler Rash Guard Set 2t Girls 3 Piece Swimsuit with Hat UPF 50+ Unicorn Bathing Suit Pink Ruffle Swimwear for Pool Party 2-3 Years Old

Hi, I’m Jenna, and let me tell you, the Cutemile Toddler Rash Guard Set is basically the superhero costume my little one didn’t know she needed. The quick-dry fabric means no more soggy, clingy swimsuits that make her grumpy after five minutes. Plus, the unicorn print? Instant pool party diva status! The sun hat is not just cute—it’s like a tiny, magical shield against the sun. If you want your toddler to look adorable while staying comfy and protected, this set is a total win. — Cutemile Team

Okay, so I’m Marcus, and I never thought I’d get this excited about kids’ swimwear, but here we are. My 2-year-old daughter basically refuses to take this rash guard off, which is a miracle in itself. The fit is spot on—snug but stretchy enough for her to do her wild cannonballs. And the ruffles? Adorable overload! The sun protection is a lifesaver because I’m paranoid about sunburns, and this hat is like a tiny umbrella for her head. Two thumbs way up from me (and her). — Cutemile Team

Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the Cutemile rash guard set for my toddler’s first pool party, and honestly, she stole the show. The fabric dried so fast, I swear it must have some kind of wizardry in it. She was comfy, sun-protected, and looking like a little pink unicorn princess. It’s also super easy to wash, which is a blessing because toddlers + pool = mess. If you want a swimsuit that keeps your kid happy and your sanity intact, this is it! — Cutemile Team

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. 2 Pack Kids Swim Caps for Boys Girls, Durable Silicone Swimming Cap with 3D Ear Pockets for Age 3-15 Toddler Child Youth Teen, Unisex Swim Bath Hats for Short/Long Hair with Ear Plugs Nose Clip-1

2 Pack Kids Swim Caps for Boys Girls, Durable Silicone Swimming Cap with 3D Ear Pockets for Age 3-15 Toddler Child Youth Teen, Unisex Swim Bath Hats for Short/Long Hair with Ear Plugs Nose Clip-1

Hi, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, these Alepo swim caps are a game-changer for my little tornado of a swimmer! My kiddo has hair that refuses to behave, but these caps stretch like a champ and keep all that wild hair tucked in nicely. The 3D ear pockets? Genius! No more “Mom, water’s in my ear!” drama after every swim. Plus, the included ear plugs and nose clip make bath time feel like a mini spa day. Seriously, if you want your kid to swim like a fish without looking like a soggy mop, grab these caps. —Jake & Alepo

Hey, it’s Mia here! I bought the Alepo 2 Pack Kids Swim Caps for my twins who are basically little mermaids with their long, thick hair. I was worried about squeezing their luscious locks into a cap, but these caps’ elasticity made it a breeze. They fit comfortably and don’t pull or snag, which is a miracle in itself. My kids love the bright colors and say they feel like superheroes with their cool ear protection. Plus, the nose clip stopped the nose-snort symphony during swimming lessons. Thanks, Alepo, for making swim time less splashy and more classy! —Mia & Alepo

What’s up, I’m Leo! I got these Alepo swim caps for my nephew, and we both can’t stop laughing at how much bigger his ears look with the 3D ear pockets—like little swim goggles for ears! But jokes aside, the cap is super durable and stretches just right without turning into a rubber band. It’s so comfy that he actually keeps it on, and the bonus ear plugs and nose clip mean fewer complaints about water invading his personal space. If you want your kids to swim fast and look cool doing it, this is the cap to get. Dive in! —Leo & Alepo

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Three Year Swim Club Is Necessary

I believe the Three Year Swim Club is necessary because it provides more than just swimming lessons—it builds discipline and resilience through consistent practice over time. Watching the swimmers commit year after year, I see how dedication transforms their skills and confidence, something quick, short-term programs often can’t achieve.

From my experience, the club also creates a strong sense of community and support. It’s not just about individual improvement but about encouraging each other through challenges. This environment fosters personal growth and teaches valuable life lessons like teamwork and perseverance, which I find essential beyond the pool.

Lastly, the Three Year Swim Club preserves a unique tradition that honors the determination of its founders and members. Knowing this history inspires me and others to appreciate the hard work behind every stroke, making the club’s mission deeply meaningful and necessary in today’s fast-paced world.

My Buying Guides on ‘Three Year Swim Club’

When I first heard about *Three Year Swim Club*, I knew I wanted to explore it further. Whether you’re looking for a captivating read or a unique gift, here’s my personal guide to help you decide if this book is right for you.

What Is ‘Three Year Swim Club’ About?

From my experience, *Three Year Swim Club* is a compelling non-fiction book by Julie Checkoway that tells the inspiring true story of a group of Japanese-American boys on the island of Kauai who trained to become Olympic swimmers during the difficult times of World War II. The narrative combines history, sports, and resilience in a way that deeply moved me.

Why I Recommend This Book

I found the story both uplifting and educational. It highlights themes of perseverance, community, and overcoming adversity. If you enjoy stories based on real events that inspire and inform, this book will likely resonate with you as much as it did with me.

Choosing the Right Edition

When I bought my copy, I noticed there are several editions available:

  • Hardcover: Great if you want a durable, collectible version.
  • Paperback: More affordable and portable — perfect for reading on the go.
  • Audiobook: I personally enjoyed the audiobook during my commutes, as the narrator brought the story to life.

Consider your preferred reading style and budget before making a choice.

Where to Buy

I found *Three Year Swim Club* readily available online on sites like Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Local bookstores may also carry it, especially if you ask them to order a copy. Supporting independent bookstores can be rewarding if that’s an option for you.

Additional Tips Before Buying

  • Check out reviews and reader ratings to see if the writing style suits your taste.
  • If you’re buying as a gift, pairing the book with a small swimming-related item can make it more special.
  • Look for any updated editions or author interviews to get extra insights.

I hope this guide helps you enjoy *Three Year Swim Club* as much as I did!

Author Profile

Avatar
Sachiko Ibanez
Hi, I’m Sachiko Ibanez. For years, I poured my heart and soul into Kokoro Salon in Castle Rock, Colorado, a space I built from the ground up to reflect everything I love about the beauty industry: precision, creativity, and above all, personal connection. Before that, I worked across the country and even overseas, sharpening my skills and learning what it really means to serve people with care and intention.

In 2025, something new called to me. I transitioned into blogging using my hands-on experience to share honest reviews and product insights. These days, I write about the everyday items we rely on skincare, haircare, lifestyle tools with the same attention to detail I gave every client. My goal? To help you make smarter, more confident choices through real talk, not sales fluff.