The Big Race

Tension filled the fresh air as I was getting ready for the competition – the
competition which I was preparing for my whole life. I took a deep breath. This
was nerve wracking, for/: my family, friends and almost everyone I knew was
watching me. I couldn't let them down – I just couldn’t. As I adjusted my cap and
goggles, adrenaline was circling its way around my body and rushing into my
fingertips. My whole stomach had just then flopped. I felt concerned yet upbeat at
the same time – it was all just a mix of emotions. But all I knew for sure is that I
couldn't bear to lose. I could see the competitive expressions on all the other teams
but I knew even if they looked tough, I still had a fair chance of winning this.

Just then, it was the moment I was waiting for. It was my time to prove that I could
beat all of them. The announcer bellowed into the microphone, “Attention all
contestants please get ready for the big race!” As I walked into the main pool, I
could hear all the enthusiastic fans cheering, whistling and even some arguing. The
pool looked crystal clear as wind blew in my face calming me down when my
intrusive thoughts started to win over me, “What if I fail in front of everyone?
What if everybody laughs at me? What if I’m not good enough?” But I couldn’t
let that stop me. I never did and I wasn’t about to.

I entered the pool while my heart was racing. I was anxiously waiting for that one
word that I had dreaded, “GO!” the announcer yelled at the top of his lungs. We all
immediately started swimming, splashing kicking vigorously as if our lives
depended on it. I swam and swam with every ounce of my energy, until I was
finally done. I couldn’t believe it and I thought I was dreaming but all my effort
had earned me my dream – I came first! Even though my muscles were aching, I
ran towards my family I couldn’t believe I had won!