Swimming for Keeps

Summer 2024. A time that I, along with my synchronized swimming teammates, had long awaited. Through rigorous strength training and long pool sessions, we prepared for the 2024 Junior Olympics with great enthusiasm. When July came around, we all boarded the flight to Oregon. We arrived a week in advance of the competition to adjust to the pool and cheer for the younger kids on the team. There were many different competitions and events that lasted all week, which we attended and cheered at when we weren’t practicing. The exhausting practices were nothing compared to the restlessness we felt due to the approaching competition.

My teammates and I, holding our starting pose while waiting for the routine music to begin. The outdoor pool was freezing cold, even in the summer. Even more so, we were already wet from the warm-ups before the routine. With our hearts tense, we anxiously waited for the whistle to sound– indicating the start of our routine. (Photo by Chen Yu)

On the morning of the competition, few words were spoken. We entered the ice-cold pool for warm-ups, and got out to wait for the other routine to finish before it was our turn. As the long awaited competition finally began, a mix of excitement and nervousness settled in my stomach. It was finally our turn. After performing a short half-hearted cheer, we got in formation and stepped onto the deck. I could hear my heart pounding in my ears. When we settled into our starting pose and waited for the whistle, indicating the start of our routine, the tension in the air was palpable. Fweeeet! The whistle sounded, and the familiar routine music started playing. I stood up and dived into the water. This was just the beginning.

My teammates and I stood on the podium right after our routine, hearing our score announced. Despite being out of breath and overwhelmed, we stood tall and tried to pose for the cameras. Photo taken from the USA Artistic Swimming Live Stream.

Right after our arduous routine, we climbed onto the deck once again, panting. As much as I wanted to flop down and rest, it was necessary to wait on the deck as they announced our ranking so far. The routine went less-than-satisfactory. In fact, I could think of ten things I could’ve done better in just one hybrid(a combination of two or more movements performed with the legs while holding your breath with your head below the hips). But it was only natural to feel frustration after a performance, so I pushed it down and smiled for the cameras.

My teammates and I, posing after our routine. Everyone was exhausted and leaning onto each other. (Photo Chen Yu)

After the scores were announced, we climbed down from the deck, ready to dry off and change. However, we were immediately surrounded by all the parents, each holding cameras or phones. I could feel irritation rising within me. The photos didn’t stop, even when all I wanted to do was catch my breath. I could see my feelings reflected on my teammate’s faces. Still, not wanting to disappoint the parents, we put on bright smiles and posed until they took all the pictures they wanted.

The awards ceremony was in the afternoon, so we had to change and get ready again. It went by in a blur, and I found myself posing on the podium again holding an 11th place ribbon. I hadn't even known that placements past 8th were awarded. I was frustrated, feeling like I could’ve done better and that all our practice had gone to waste. After another round of galling photos, we were finally free. My friend and I were stopped again by our parents, and took photos on the bench with our ribbons.

My friend and I are sitting on the bleachers at the venue, posing with our 11th place ribbon. (Photo taken by Chen Yu)

My teammates and I posed on the podium. Holding a poster with our name and team-colored pom-poms, adorned from head to toe in team uniform, I felt a strong sense of pride for our team and our accomplishments. (Photo by Chen Yu)

After the awards ceremony, the podium cleared up. We were urged by the parents, once again, to get up there and pose for photos. Holding a poster with our team name and our team-colored pom-poms, adorned from head to toe in team uniform. Looking back at the photos now, I realized that it's not the outcome that matters, but the journey you take to get there. I felt a strong sense of pride for our team and our accomplishments, although we didn’t win anything to brag about. It is undeniable that this was an experience I’ll never forget. I learned something important– sometimes the experience is more valuable than the results. Instead of worrying over what could go wrong, focus on the present and effort that you put in. Even if things don’t go right, don’t give up, keep trying and dreaming.