[clear - refresh] ---THE ETCH-A-SKETCH BLOG--- [created by may]


17/09/2006
wow! First, it was the triathlon relay. This time around, it is the inter-constituency swimming competition. Entering a competition with zero expectations, it is extremely gratifying when there is victory. It is uncanny and it makes it all the more enjoyable. the feeling is just great!

i came into the competion with many con factors. Lack of practice, lack of mental preparation and most importantly, a lack of sleep from the previous day's work. I had also not prepared my sister & brother with sufficient practice time. The usual rudimentaries were not compeleted; plunging, stroke correction and mileage.

Sometimes, it's just better to keep it simple. No wrong, no right. perfecto?!

It turned out perfect. :) The ladies had 2 relay bronzes. The men picked up a relay bronze. Even I picked up 2 individual medals. The butterfly was the pleasant surprise. 33 seconds for a pb @ the ripe old age of 20. The 36 for breaststroke was extremely satisfying. I was none the heavier, or poorer. Perhaps, still can make it, if i try. Today was the day i swam all four strokes in a competiton, a first. albiet the 50m distance, i did the breast & fly individual events & the back( i couldn't believe it!)for the medley as well as the freestyle for the free relay.

A most thoroughly enjoyable afternoon! I had great fun. I realise such competitions are no competitions persay. They are events which we must make use of to network and catch up w friends(foes if any). I also realised tt it was through talking to the many people i chanced upon at TP swimming complex that i was able to compete well. I was relaxed and very comfortable. If u make a comparism of my previous moods during competitions, you can certainly conclude that i was a whole lot more nervous. After countless competitions spent coughing and tearing, i could look forward to this competition with ease. I was able to look at other competitors, greet and laugh with them. A community event, it was meant to bring about great fun and a spirit of camaradrie. None of that father who wanted to bring the curtains down on the event because his daughter was DQ after dropping off the jumping board into the waters before the start was given. The organiser had their rules to uphold, the father had his daughter's interests at heart. It was ultimately a case of ignorance. The father had to have an understanding of rules adopted by the organisers. Now, there's a very thick line between sports and business.

Sister did very well today and i'm proud of her. She braced herself despite her similar lack of preparation. And with 2 medals to show for it, well, it was worth the heck of it. Brother flopped at his first race. He was like a fish out of the water during his free event. He showed more drive and control in the breast. Like myself, he had been busy with other events. He had his badminton prior, so swimming had not been a priority. However, he has a knack of enjoying himself where he is. Kudos!

i am extremely encouraged today. Encouraged at my efforts and ability. Performing is not very difficult. It is all in the mindset. I'm sure we all know plenty of that.

wizzing away on 2:06 AM

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