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That meet really taught me something. For example, I never really
cared about the 200 freestyle. It’s my worst event AND I am terrible at
it–just never able to figure out the pace. But just because I don’t like
it does not mean I shouldn’t care about it. In prelims I became really
excited for the 200 free. I had no idea how and no reason why. I just
had not swam it in so long, and it was a good opportunity to drop time,
which I did, thanks to my teammate who raced me all the way to the wall.
I earned first in my heat dropping 3 seconds off my previously “best
time.” It was great–until I realized I would have to swim it again in
finals. Going into finals I was seeded 6th and I just did not want to
race that again.
The 200 free is definitively my toughest race, no
doubt. But here’s where reality kicked in. I just did not care about
that race and I had two other races that night. I kept telling myself it
was alright to not do well–I had races other than this one. I added 3
seconds to that race and equaled out the time on my prelims start. It
was devastating. The rest of finals did not go well because my mindset
got twisted into thinking that I’m tired, need rest, and it’s okay if I
don’t do well every meet. NO, IT’S NOT! Those thoughts really brought
me down for this meet. I tried to give it my all, but I couldn’t. I just
COULD NOT.
Reflecting on that meet, swimming really has done more than put my
name on boards and race until my lungs explode. It is extremely
important to believe in yourself and put your best foot forward, even if
it is not an event you like at all. And if you cannot learn to do this,
you must find the passion that enables you to overcome your doubts and
compete to your best level. Learning from that meet I hope I can take
that lesson into my next races in Iowa this upcoming weekend. The Iowa
meet is truly by far my favorite meet for TEAM competition. And now that
I’m 15, it’s going to be a bit more difficult trying to fit in with the
older kids. But I can’t give up; I will not become tired. I’m here to
swim and swim well. Think about it–would you rather lose? Or would you
rather win? It really is your choice. And I’ve chosen to work to my
maximum, compete at a high level every race, and be the very best
swimmer on the Spring River Penguins.
Swim Captain–Spring River
Penguins
Jenn Smithson
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