It’s been an amazing swim season. I’m extremely glad it’s finally over. I really need a break from the pool—a real land break!
I’ve just completed Junior Nationals down in Orlando, Florida. That is a
very long distance from Spring River, Wisconsin. The Junior National
meet was five long tiring, though awesome days of swimming. I made the
cuts in 50 free, 100 free, 100 back and 200 IM. As a bonus I was awarded
the opportunity to swim 50 BACKSTROKE–YES! The meet was downright
crazy, so I think I’ll start from the top. My mom and I left Minneapolis at 2 p.m. on Monday afternoon. We flew
nonstop three and a half hours to Atlanta. It was a long flight. We
grabbed a bite of Applebee’s, and headed on our next (wonderfully
delayed) flight at 7:00 p.m. We arrived in Orlando around 9! And sooner
than you’d know it, warm ups started in early afternoon for the Junior
National Relays. I swam a 23.8 in my freestyle split in the 200 medley.
Our Spring River swim TEAM ended up placing seventh nationally in the
200 medley! Suddenly when I absolutely
didn’t need it, I contracted a
horrible cold on Friday. This crummy illness lasted the rest of the
meet. I was, however, able to keep consistent times throughout the meet.
Colds really suck when you are competing.
My favorite part of the meet was definitely
finals. Though I did not make the finals, the races were amazing to
observe as a competitive swimmer.
Whoa–the Olympic Trial cuts and National records just kept coming!
The meet times and swims were totally INSANE! Everyone was running
on
adrenaline by Friday. I have to say everyone maintained their poise
quite well considering the hectic atmosphere. Just watching the finals
was exhausting.
The meet was absolute chaos! I cannot wait for
next year’s meet because it will be even more competitive. I’ll have
this year’s experience at Junior Nationals under my belt. Additionally
my best friend will be joining me next year at Junior Nationals. This
year she was training for a meet in California instead. It was great to
be in Florida, even though I didn’t have enough time to be a regular
tourist. Everyone seems happier when the weather is warm. It’s SWEET
seeing palm trees everywhere! I’m PUMPED for the next Junior National
meet. Definitely the experience of a LIFETIME! I’m staying competitive
because I want to charge into the Junior Nationals next year. My land
break begins!
Jenn
Smithson
Captain – Spring River Penguins
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