They say swimming is 10% physical and 90% mental; that is true beyond belief. I started competitive swimming when I was seven years old. I loved it. I was never the best swimmer, but I usually did well in my races. As I got older, the swims become longer, the practices became harder, and the mental strains became greater. The challenges never bothered me too much. Then I reached high school . My freshman year, I was lucky enough to earn my spot on the varsity swim team. My main goal that season: earn a varsity letter. I did my best throughout the season and never came close, but I had one more chance at the end: the sectional meet. My coach put me in the five-hundred freestyle, the longest race. I trained for this race the whole season, and I knew I was ready. My race was only about five minutes, but it felt like ten. I was so nervous, and I panicked. When I finally finished the race I looked up at the time board with hope. Hope was all I had at that moment. I could not believe my eyes when I saw the time on the board. I missed my letter time by less than a second. I failed to accomplish my main goal that season. I had to move on.
Sophomore year came with the same goals in mind …show more content…
I decided to change my goal for Junior year from earning my letter to helping others achieve their goals. I decided to focus on helping others instead of hyperfocusing on myself. I learned that I was much happier during the season, and I enjoyed talking to the younger swimmers about their goals. As the season progressed, I became more excited and confident for the end. My times were dropping; I was getting stronger. My confidence level was high, and I was sure I was going to bring home a letter time. I was in the five-hundred freestyle once more, and I was ready. I stepped up on the blocks, took my mark, and dove in the water. When I touched the wall I heard cheering from my whole team and looked up at the board in
Sophomore year came with the same goals in mind …show more content…
I decided to change my goal for Junior year from earning my letter to helping others achieve their goals. I decided to focus on helping others instead of hyperfocusing on myself. I learned that I was much happier during the season, and I enjoyed talking to the younger swimmers about their goals. As the season progressed, I became more excited and confident for the end. My times were dropping; I was getting stronger. My confidence level was high, and I was sure I was going to bring home a letter time. I was in the five-hundred freestyle once more, and I was ready. I stepped up on the blocks, took my mark, and dove in the water. When I touched the wall I heard cheering from my whole team and looked up at the board in