Just keep swimming, just keep swimming - Dory

At 6 years old I wouldn’t say it was fun waking up at the wee hours of the morning while everyone else slept in. It was barely light out and too early even for the birds and the rooster. Yet I woke up, dragged myself out of bed, barely knew what I was eating, got dressed and headed off to the pool. Once there, I breathed in the early morning air, cool breeze and the delicious smell of chlorine. The pool was serene and blue. Untouched! I looked forward to being the first to plunge in. Contrary to popular belief, warm weather climate pool water was always cold in the morning! After practice it was a quick shower and off to school, eyes tearing from the chlorine I could barely see the blackboard and take down notes. I did that for 13 straight years. Oh yes and twice a day…. Only in the afternoon you weren’t waking up early. You just go straight from school to home for lunch and homework and then back again in the pool. Thirteen straight years of two a day that became three a day training sessions closer to international competitions.

Ask me if I have watched more than 5 episodes of Beverly Hills 90210. The answer would be no. I couldn’t fully participate in school yard convo of the latest gossip, tv shows or school friend hangouts. I was swimming. I think I surprised my principal I didn’t turn into a fish as she so anticipated. I was often excused from being late to school, leaving early from school because of swim practices and meets. And yes, I so looked forward to those swim meets. Excited to see like-minded friends, show off the new swim suit, butterflies in tummy awaiting my next race. The flurry and activity all ended in one big award ceremony and party afterwards where I would be pushed back into the pool along with my fellow friends, clothes and all because of our winnings.                                                                                                                 

It certainly was time to hang up my suit after 13 years. It was tiresome, my back was injured, and I wanted to enjoy the same privileges as every other nineteen year old. Looking back now however, I miss those days. Swimming took 19 tiresome years but left me with so much more. Here’s some of what I carry with me today;

·         Your parents deserve those medals and trophies as much as you do. For 13 years I did not know what it was like to sleep in. Well neither did my parents! My mom got up even earlier to make breakfast and make sure I was out the house in time for practice with my dad. Maybe this is the reason I didn’t sway my kids away from hockey and cheer. I don’t have it in me to wake up at 4:30am anymore. My parents however did. I owe the success of my entire swimming career to them. A thank you doesn’t seem enough!

·         Practices count but the race counts even more. It doesn’t matter how hard you practice or prepare yourself, what matters most is the race. Make sure you are prepared when it really counts. Not being ready will cost you second place.

·         It taught me to be effective and efficient. Juggling swimming with school, homework, school exams and even French classes outside of school taught me to make the most of each minute. I paid real close attention when the teacher spoke, worked ahead of schedule at home, did homework on the bleachers while waiting for training to start. I did what it took to get my work done. Efficiency and Effectiveness became my best friends.

·         It taught me dedication and determination. I was determined to be the best when I wasn’t picked to be on the school relay team when I was 8. I tirelessly dedicated all my efforts, so I would be the first one picked. It paid off. Dedication and determination became my next best friends.

·         I learned camaraderie and I learned to have fun. My competition became my worst enemy in the pool and became my best friend on land. We would not talk to each other just before the race but no matter what the outcome, we rejoiced. At times, we may have been disappointed at the result, but were genuinely happy for victor. We pushed, we motivated, and we encouraged each other at practice to give our best. Most importantly we had fun!

 

Swimming taught me a ton. Whether you want to swim or not, I encourage you to pick up a sport or an activity that challenges you, draws the best out of you, gives you back so much more than you expected and lets you have a blast doing it. For me that was swimming.