Every Friday night, the smell of chlorine penetrated the air as sweat crept upon the palm of my hands. My heart raced out of my chest as my legs assumed diving position, fingertips carefully meeting the edge of the starting block. The crowd unanimously grew silent as the announcer's muffled voice overtook the intercom, "Swimmers, take your mark." BEEP! The crowd arose in uproar as my body flew into the water, launching into two hundred meters of challenge: a test of physical endurance, mental stamina, and emotional strength. With each lap came growing pain and a longing for oxygen, but with each stroke came perseverance and a desire to defy the path of least resistance. Being a swimmer was no easy choice, but these are the Friday nights I can't help but vividly remember and terribly miss.
Though it has been roughly two years since I've stopped swimming competitively, this sport gave me endless memories and taught me several values. Here are five life lessons being a competitive swimmer taught me:
1. Success is a product of discipline.
It is during those weeks from hell where countless meetings, midterms, and papers collide, that I realize the influence my athletic-life as a swimmer has had on my academic-life. Every time my eyelids fight to stay open and my body yearns for my warm bed, a soft voice, one that is familiar to the pool reminds me that success is merely a reflection of personal efforts. I find it somewhere in me to finish that 10-page paper as I remember if I can conquer a butterfly set, I can conquer anything.
2. Your body won't let you drown.
Fellow swimmers can likely vouch there comes a time in distance sets where cramps hurt so bad, it is almost unbearable to keep pulling or kicking. One of my coaches used to always tell me, in those moments of weakness, my body is stronger than my mind. It won't let me drown, no matter how much I feel like I'm drowning. During difficult times, I always think of his voice, reminding me that I am stronger than I think I am. Resilience will always conquer the temporary feeling of drowning.
3. Cheer everyone on.
No matter how many years you've been a swimmer, your heart inevitably feels like it's going to be out of your chest every time you step behind the starting block. Amidst the nerves and anxiousness, there's nothing more comforting than hearing a teammate say, "you got this." We could all use a little more of "you got this" in our lives. Being a competitive swimmer taught me to cheer the people on around me, in every pillar of life.
4. Celebrate small victories.
In swimming, every second matters, literally. The difference between first and second place could be a fifth of a second. Racing has not only taught me to make every moment count, but to celebrate those small, fifth of a second victories, whether it be getting an extra point on a test, getting a larger role at an internship, or just simply having a good day.
5. Take life one day at a time.
At swim meets, it can be daunting to look at your list of events for the night. 400 Medley Relay, 200 IM, 100 Fly, 100, Breast, 400 Freestyle Relay. So many numbers, so many strokes, not enough time for breathing. I eventually learned taking each event one at a time helped me stay calm at swim meets and focused on the task at hand. Life should be no different. There is no use in worrying about something tomorrow when today isn't over yet. Put all your energy and focus on what's in front of you and take life day by day!
