We've all been there, the warm-up, the pre-game, the actual game, the celebration...or even the defeat.

1. Winning is quite possibly the best feeling ever.

Sure that might sound super conceited, but honestly not many things will ever feel better than succeeding in something that you have spent most of your life training for.

2. Second place is the first loser.

Obviously second place is the second best score, but second place is also the first person who wasn't good enough to win.

3. A close second place is probably the worst feeling ever.

As if almost winning wasn't bad enough, almost winning by three tenths of a point is horrible. It's pretty much just a blow to the heart saying "You were almost good enough."

4. You have a "I'm smiling on the outside but I really want to cry on the inside" face.

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Sometimes you just have to push through the tears and smile no matter how unfair you think the outcome was.

5. You have a "game face" when you walk by your competitors.

Sometimes you just have to throw a little side glance their way.

6. Your teammates are your family.

Your teammates are the people you win with, and loose with, they have probably seen your cry more than anyone else, and they listen to all of your complaining, but at the end of the day they will always be right by your side.

7. Your coach is your biggest fan.

You are essentially an extension of your coach, they put just as much time and effort into you as you do into your sport, so naturally they are going to cheer you on as much as they can no matter what.

8. Your coach is also your biggest critic.

With that being said, since you are representing them, you pretty much have to be perfect, and if you aren't, they don't have any problem telling you what you need to fix...in a nice way of course.

9. Sometimes winning isn't the goal.

More importantly...yes I know winning is important...you just have to do your best and be proud of yourself for improving.

10. But yes, sometimes blowing away your competition is the only goal.

Because who doesn't love a good old fashioned rivalry?

All in all competitions and playing competitive sports is a blast, but sometimes you just need a little shoulder to lean on ;).