The girls had their first swim meet today. It was cold and dreary out with a chance of rain but all the swimmers were excited about their first meet of the season. It was a beautiful sight of sea of blue and green bathing suits warming up, swimming laps and shivering as their braces clicked in the cold. You can almost feel their youthful energy between the on and off raindrops.
There were 30 events in today’s meet. Elisa and Ellen each swam in one… 25 meter freestyle.
After timing a few events, it was Ellen’s turn. U8. 25 meters. I don’t think Ellen even swam half way across the pool during the 2 weeks of training. 25 meters? As she struggled with her noodles, her coach jumped in the pool before her. She followed. My heart was beating so fast I thought it was going to jump out. The whistle blew and little Ellen swam… And swam… And swam. Even though she had her noodles, she did the whole breathing in and out of the water just as she was taught. I was sooooo proud. She made it across!
A few events later it was Elisa’s turn. Again, I wasn’t sure what was louder. My heartbeat echoing in my ears or me yelling her name. She just learned to swim the freestyle and haven’t been able to make it across the pool without stopping and standing. And sometimes the pauses were long as she tried to regain her strength but at today’s meet she was great. She stopped but floated a little before starting again. Never giving up.
Both girls came in last. But the smiles on their faces and on my face would have made anyone think we came in first. Our goal today was to make it across the pool and they did it beautifully. I couldn’t have been prouder.
I was worried that they’d get nervous being the only swimmer still swimming but Elisa said “no, it was cool. All eyes were on me. I can hear people calling my name.” Who knew joining the swim team can build confidence even when you place last?
I was a timer so couldn’t videotape their events but the girls sportsmanship, determination, and pride will forever be etched in my brain. Sometimes it’s good to not have a camera to record because you spend more time living that glorious moment. Big cheer to my girls and big cheer to coach Henry who made it happen!
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