I’ve been swimming since I was 5.

It was difficult with the older kids but now it seems like nothing.

When I don't win it's fine because sometimes you need to lose to win.

It’s tough, but if you love it keep going.

If you love it, keep fighting to get first.

I love it, i will always love it.

“Don’t ever stop swimming”

That’s something my dad always tells me before a race.

“Push yourself to do better and get faster”

That’s something i tell myself at practice.

My head always does the race before the wistle blows..

I look at my compitition and think to myself,

“I’ve raced you, i know how you swim, i got this.”

Standing there on the edge of the pool,

And the timers are getting ready,

Then the countdown starts.

“Swimmers to your mark,”

My ears shut out the cheering and focus.

“Get set,”

Hands down, head down, breathe.

“GO!”

I dive in.

Im gliding through the water and before i know it, 

Im at the other end of the pool ready to flip.

I tilt my head to the side and get a quick breath.

As i come up, i look to my right and dont see anyone near me.

I know to my left no one is there so i don’t even look.

Half way done. 2 more touches to go.

My muscles cry but i ignore that and i keep going..

I keep breathing and before i know it im done and ive gotten first!

I’ve done it once again, i got the blue ribbon,

The thing ive worked so hard to get everytime i put on that red swimsuit every saturday.