The Swim Competition Essay - 696 Words

I dip my toes in—feels cold. My nerves rise up and spread like fire throughout my body while I watch—while I wait. Stomach hurts. All those butterflies clash and crowd. They come every time that I race—it never fails. There is so much noise—the splash of water, talking, yelling, whistling, cheering. Can’t think. My body shakes and screams from the tension. Heart pounding, nerves tingling, every muscle contracted. Stop. Focus. Deep breath and close everything out. I shut my eyes and the turbulent world in which I am submerged goes black and silent. Coach says visualize the race. Visualize your ideal race. I visualize†¦. The one hundred fly—it is my mountain. This mountain is rocky, snowy, and steep, and that is why I love it. These†¦show more content†¦Goggles on tight, cap in place. Waiting in silence. Face feels hot. â€Å"Women’s one-hundred yard butterfly.† Get ready. â€Å"Take your mark.† I crouch like a tiger. I grab the block, knuckles turn white. Every muscle tight and anxious—ready to pounce. Feels like forever. Crowd is silent. Beep. I leap. Simultaneously, my arms go up into streamline position and I squeeze my ears with my arms. I enter the water. Cold. Kick, kick, kick, kick. Go, go. Fast. Kick, kick. Almost to the surface—way past the flags. Good. Water rushes past me. Cheering becomes a little more audible. I break the surface and spread my wings—pulling with full force. Pull, kick, pull, kick. Breathe. Rhythm, where’s your rhythm? Pull, kick, pull, kick. Got it. Arms straining, hands pulling. Keep your fingers closed, don’t let water through. Don’t take it out too fast in the beginning. Remember: even pace, it’s only the first lap. Pull, kick, pull. In a split second, I see the wall as I breathe—teammates cheering. Face back down into the cold water. Black line, water rushes past. Almost to the wall. Breathe—teammates cheering. Black line. Pull, kick, pull, kick. Touch the wall and go. Second lap— streamline. Kick, kick, kick. Past the flags again. Kick a little harder. Second lap should be faster. Go, go. Break the surface. Pull, kick, pull, kick. Faster. I shove the water behind me and kick forcefully. Coming up to the wall. Go, go. Touch and go. Push off the wall! Kick hard! Kick,Show MoreRelatedFreestyle Swimming Is A Category For A Swim Competition1148 Words   |  5 PagesFreestyle swimming is a category for a swim competition. Swimming has known to be around for more than 10,000 years and freestyle swimming was one of the most common forms of swimming. In the 1830’s swimming became more of a competitive sport. By 1837 the NSS was holding swimming competitions in England. The sport grew popular in the 1880’s and there was three hundred regional clubs across the country. International Swimming Federation (FINA), had the rules of what freestyle is. 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