BUBBLE OF POTENTIALS

My body language betrayed me. It was clear that I was struggling to keep
afloat. I had dilated pupils, and frequent blinking occurred.
“You can do it girl” Brittany cheered. It was like being strapped to a chair
while looking at an open door. What would be the result? Will my hard work
eventually pay off?
Two hours earlier, there I was swimming like an eagle, in the eye of
noon. I was so close to hitting the jackpot as I displayed my best stunt ever;
the butterfly stroke accompanied by a cartwheel in the air. “You rock girl!!”
praised Brittany. “I know right, I bet she can swim better than Janet Evans”
cheered my little sis, Alexis. “Love you my number one fans” I
acknowledged as I emerged out of the pool _ Bubbles? Yes, that’s me.

Let’s go grab something to munch on before the tournament starts.

I’m sure Alexis must be ravenous” Brittany pointed out.” “Impressive, how
do you do that mind reading stuff, you’re so good at it,” said Alexis looking
baffled, trying to figure out how Brittany knew that with a confused look on
her cute little face “Alright, let’s get going but you know I can’t just eat
anything,” I chuckled “Yeah we know you are on a strict diet and we can’t
afford anything to make you lose that tournament so snacks is a No-No”
Brittany added. “Yeah, yeah let us just get going alright” grumbled Alexis
already half-starved.
We made a quick stop at the Posh Burger to grab a few bites and
some drinks. Alexis and Brittany each had delicious burgers. I watched
them munc away life out of their burgers while I was stuck with lime water.
My belly coveted those snacks and the temptation was unrelenting but
success was knocking on my door awaiting my welcome and I was not
going to let this unprecedented opportunity turn around and walk away.
 “Traffic again?” groaned Alexis. “I may need to check the GPS for
where to pass” Brittany replied. The unpredictable, early afternoon, with
cars moving bumper to bumper, made my head spin. “The venue of the
tournament is about an hour from here and I have to be there at 9:30 am
and it’s 8:15 am” I anxiously complained. I bowed my head to relieve my
anxiety and as soon I raised my head, TEXAS A&M NATATORIUM —
COLLEGE STATION smiled at my distressed face. I sprightly left the
vehicle and dashed into the venue’s changing room after that proceeded to
the swimming pool as the signal for the tournament to begin alarmed me.
The tournament included three stages to carefully determine the
winners for which I was ready. As normal, my number biggest fans came to
back me up with support and love which helped to destroy the nervousness
that had already begun to seem comfortable in its new home-me. The first
stage was a splash. It was all about speed and the top ten were selected in
which I came in the fifth position. The second stage was a bit of a tall order.
It was packaged and judged on how well one could swim with the
breaststroke stunt alongside accuracy which was a setback for five of the
ten contestants. I came in third place.
The final and most dreaded round finally arrived. It was a stunt
challenge and the best stunts performed will be declared the winner. My
performance was going to be the last and as I waited for my turn, I
experienced a sore nightmare. The first two performances were
breathtaking and impressive. The confidence, organization, smiles, and
applause embedded in the atmosphere during their performance only
added to the nervousness that had once disappeared but was now having
a good time in me.
My turn finally arrived. The stadium was as silent as nightfall. I felt all
eyes on me ready to rebuke any mistake I made. The judges were ready to
adjudge that every move I made to determine my fate. What a life.
Approaching the pool, I slipped and fell flat into the pool. “Ooh-ooh” the
audience commented. “No, no, no” became a stanza in my head. I got out
of the water and performed my stunts properly. The final stunt I had saved
for the last was ready to be presented to the world but something was
hindering it. I was frozen as ice, my palms were sweaty, my heart rate
increased, and I felt a fluttery nervous stomach feeling. “You can do it girl”
cheered Brittany. I regained confidence and displayed my best stunt ever -
the butterfly stroke accompanied by a cartwheel.
 I waited for applause, a comment, and a score from a judge.
“Something…” I pleaded within, but nothing. After all my hard work, is this
all I deserved?” After feeling crushed and about to leave the pool, I was left
in utter shock. Rounds of applause roared from the audience. The judges
gave me a ten and I was declared the winner of the tournament. I was
speechless and filled with mixed emotions. I had finally entered the open
door and all my sacrifices paid off.
This unprecedented opportunity opened my world and now I am
swimming in the Olympics. I urge all those with mighty potentials to put in
all the hard work and all it takes because one day your time to shine will
eventually come and you would not want it to meet you unprepared.

KINFEOSIOLUWA OMOTOSHO
The Livingsprings High School