Shelby Placke
Mrs. Boresen
Expos, P-4
Final Draft
January 27 2009
A True Swimmer
Dive into the ice cold, brisk water and feel it envelop your entire body. Smell the essence of the chlorine as you breathe from side to side. These are some of the desires a true swimmer looks forward to experiencing everyday. The word, swimmer, is not only a word, it is a lifestyle. Being a swimmer defines one’s life and helps to show where someone’s dedication truly lies.
According to WorldNetSearch.com, the definition of a swimmer is, “A trained athlete who participates in swim meets”. This is the noun definition, while as the verb definition is “to propel oneself in water by natural means (as movements of the limbs, fins, or tail)” (Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary). Both of these definitions meet the requirement that any average person would expect. Unfortunately though, they do not achieve in showing the emotion and value behind the word. To me, a swimmer is a person with passion and desire for the sport of swimming. They are a devoted athlete who spends countless hours at the pool everyday in order to improve their skills and prepare themselves for competitions. None of these concepts were mentioned in either definition, and that devastates me. It does not allow for people to experience the genuine meaning of a true swimmer.
I, myself, have been swimming since I was five years old. Ever since middle school, I have participated in competitive swimming by joining the recreational swim team during the summers. Summer swimming was very enjoyable, but not very “hard-core”. The work outs were full of laughing and splashing around in the water. Now in high school, I swim for Valley High School’s swim team. I have learned throughout these past three years that summer swimming was not true swimming after all. At Valley, every practice is filled with intense workouts and strenuous sets. Everyday we swim three to four miles in ranging distance sets with very few breaks for rest. It is a completely different level of swimming compared to what most people would expect. No one ever truly sees the competitive side of the sport, and just expects swimming to be playing around in a pool. That is why most people do not have an appreciation for the sport like I do. This year, I have grown into an all-around better swimmer. I have improved my times in both my 50 free and my 100 free races. My times have improved so much that I am now even swimming on all three of the Varsity relays that have qualified for state. My goal is now to do well and hopefully, place at the state competition. I dream of swimming my way to a medal at state. Imagine racing in a close race. You can see your opponents ahead in the lanes next to you, but this doesn’t stop you; it drives you forward even faster. Stroke, stroke, stroke, breathe; this is the constant repetitive motion that you continue to follow. Feel the adrenaline rush through your body as you come closing to the finish, outreaching your rivals at the wall for the win! Picture all your teammate’s joys and the smile on the face of your proud coach. Knowing that all the long, hard practices were finally worth it in the end, is my overall goal.
The word, swimmer, has a lot of history behind it. First off, the definition of a swimmer has grown more modern in the last century. Swimming became more of a competitive sport, and grew with interest due to the Olympics. The greatest swimmer of all time in Olympic competition is definitely Michael Phelps. My dream of becoming a true swimmer was achieved from the inspiration I have received from him. Michael is a great role model for me to look up to. He is pretty much the poster child of swimming. Michael has “rock star status among swim fans and is drawing a tidal wave of attention from the non-chlorinated world, as well” (JockBio.com). He practices at least three times a day, spending a total of two to five hours in the pool. Beginning at the age eleven, Michael started his quest in becoming a swimming champion. His goal continued to make progress, when he made the American Olympic team at only 15 years old. Phelps participated in the 2004 Olympics and then went on to compete in 2008 as well. In Beijing, all his hard work finally paid off. Michael miraculously won eight gold medals at the Summer Olympics. This achievement was extraordinary and a world swimming record. Phelps was able to not only swim, but conquer over his opponents in so many different swimming events. Ranging from relays, to backstroke, to butterfly, Michael took it all. His dedication and drive are what inspired me to continue in my swimming career. In fact, I was considering quitting swimming this summer, until I saw Michael on the television. His addiction and love for the sport drew me into swimming again. He was my swimming savior and has definitely become my hero. Many other people around the world were also inspired by Michael. He helped to make swimming a more popular sport, and a main event to watch in the Olympics. Obviously, Michael Phelps has been a major factor in the history of swimming.
The word swimmer should now have more significance and meaning when said. I believe that I, myself have developed into a true swimmer. Swimming has become a major part of my life, something that I am proud to dedicate my life to. Now swimming might not attract all, but that does not mean that dedication shouldn’t. Dedication drives people in many forms; try to find an activity that will motivate you. Anything from cooking, to writing, to dancing, to running; find an activity that will drive you forward. To some, a swimmer is just a simple word, but to others, like myself, it is a way of life.
