Relax your muscles as you walk along the wet tile. Grip the latex cap and feel it stretch as you pull it over your hair. Tuck in the loose strands; this is your armor.
Everything comes down to this race. Your heart is thumping out of your chest, but your face radiates confidence.
Behind the block, the crowd roars with a rush that electrifies your entire body. Countless hours of work add up to this moment. Looking out past the flags, the pool stretches in front of you. Encompassed in concrete, the water gently rocks, not knowing the ferocity to come.
Anticipation builds as your team cheers from poolside. You feel twenty other girls will you on, though you cannot hear any of the words. Swing your arms front to back; shake it out like you’ve got swagger to burn. This is no time to be humble.
The hush of the crowd lets you know that all eyes are watching. They anticipate a showdown, and you are going to fight to the finish. Jump in with the spring that you always do, with an air of grace and self-assurance only someone that has lived in the water can. Relax as you grip the metal bar, poised in your battle stance.
Your heart thumps out of your chest, but you are still in control. The adrenaline high lifts you to another plane. No drug could take you here. There are no doubts.
It’s time.
Go.
“It was the difference between being dragged into the arena to face a battle to the death and walking into the arena with your head held high.” – JK Rowling
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awesome. Really could feel and understand the moment... loved it.
Amanda: if you can mentally handle being in constant pain and spending too much time with doctors, then it is all worth it for the rush.
I know this feeling from the days running track...800m 400m and relays. Good luck! Be sure to let us know how you do, I can't even begin to imagine what it's like to compete in college...
stellar
Oh, wow. So descriptive! I felt a rush just from reading it. That's so neat.
Now I get a feel of all the emotions and sounds of what it is like to actually prepare myself for the big race. Only someone like you can write such beautiful words with your experience.
this is beautifully written
u r competitive swimmer? nifty.