The impossible

I came with Lizzy for this swim competition for the pure bonding experience, the fierce vibe in the air among kids born 2013-2017. 27 clubs around the country came. hundreds of kids, enthusiastic parents, me among them, cheering up for the kids, giving them the shoulder for a cry, padding them on the back for the effort no matter the time. I came to live these moments and the vibe.

Yet, I found something much more, unexpected surprises.

Lizzy who has participated many competitions before, CARED about her time, specifically whether she is fast enough to medal. THIS HAS NEVER Happened! She was not happy when she placed 4th in 50 meter butterfly, although she did great.

The main parent who organizes among parents told me or warmed me about having little chance to medal in these competitions because these kids are fast. I told her, I had zero expectation nor does Lizzy. She would not be disappoint if she doesn’t. I WAS WRONG.

The coach told me that he hopes this experience gives LIzzy the urge/hunger to swim/train more seriously because she doesn’t take training seriously, always joking and playing with her only english speaking swim mate.

Despite not speaking portguese, she has integrated very well with the group, playing with them, really having fun.

And SHE MEDALLED today at 50 meter breast stroke, by 7 milliseconds! She was in the first heat so she tried her best despite being the first in this heat because I told her the second heat has faster kids.

This was such a big surprise. Even before the start, when Lizzy was so nervous that I had to rub her belly, I didn’t want to tell her that based on her last competition time in March, it’s impossible she can medal. And I told husband, who has been supportive and with little expectation, that we will need a miracle for Lizzy to medal. AND she delivered a MIRACLE, beating her March record by10 secs!!!

She’s beyond thrilled and this is a big lesson for all of us, including her coach and her team mates. EVERYTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE, ONE CAN ACHIEVE ANYTHING IF ONE PUTS MIND TO IT.

I hope this is the start of a new era, an era of hope coupled with discipline and perseverance, the most important thing I hope girls learned from the sport.

I also learned during this trip while I hanged out with other moms, using my freshly learned portuguese, that one of them was junior swim champion. The other moms are not athletic but find the swim competition and training such a good experience for their kids to learn life lessons. None of them hope their kids become national champion nor to go to the Olympics. In fact, the former champion said she hopes her girl won’t because by personal experience she thinks training at that level is not healthy. Yet, they are super supportive of their kids to swim seriously and participate as many competition as financially and schedule wise possible.

A memorable day!