The kids started swimming at the end of May, and had their first swim meet today. Michael and Adelyn have improved so much in the last month, and I am so proud. Michael didn't know much beyond the freestyle, and for this meet, competed in Breaststroke, Butterfly and Freestyle. Adelyn chose to pick her one favorite race and did the 50m Breaststroke.
Adelyn is an excellent swimmer. Last year, we put her in private swim lessons because she felt too old to be in the beginner classes. She progressed so quickly, and it was fun to be so confident about having her on swim team this year. Her race time was: 1:57:91.
Michael is a swimmer with great stamina. He competed in 6 events over 3 days. 50m breaststroke, 50m/100m/400m freestyle, and the 50m/100m butterfly. He says he likes the long ones the best. Watching him swim those long races made my insides churn.
The last couple days have been interesting for me, as I gained a greater perspective of both justice and mercy. Michael, as a 7/yo brand-new swimmer, gave an incorrect kick during the breaststroke and was disqualified. Then, there was a time in his 100m butterfly where they disqualified him for his arms. It broke my heart to see him swim 100m in an Olympic-Sized pool, with only one other kid brave enough to try such a hard event, only to be disqualified and ineligible for a medal. But I understand justice, and how it prevails as a system of fairness for the other kids who have worked hard to understand and obey the rules. I wanted him to have that 2nd place medal so badly. If it were up to me, I'd have given it to him, just because he did his very, very best, but justice needs to prevail. During his last race, the 400m freestyle (seriously amazing that these tiny kids have the ability to swim this far!), his goggles got a leak and he tried a lap without them, but decided after 300m that it wouldn't work and got out. So, obviously another disqualification here. We were so proud of him, and amazed he was able to swim so well, even with frustrating goggles. This race would have been another medal for him if he finished because there were only 3 swimmers in his age group, but we were headed home empty-handed. Then, one of the directors of swimming came up and presented a medal to Michael, it was unattached to any race, but just as recognition for an amazing swimmer. That man was mercy. Despite the small infractions Michael made along the way, that man aided him in meeting his highest goal for the meet. That man knew he'd done his very best, and was happy to send him home with the prize.
So thankful for all these kids teach me every day!
3 comments:
We love the Summer Games and good for that official. I'm so glad he recognized Michaels efforts and rewarded him for them.
Wow, your kids have some endurance! How fun to compete in the Summer Games. We started swim team this year too and it has been so much fun. At our swim meets the 8 and under only do 25yds of each stroke and the 10-9 year olds do 50. Ryan has yet to not get DQ in breast and fly. I bet your kids would clean up at our meets. So glad that official gave Michael that medal, he sure deserved it. You have some amazing kids!
Tough kids! That's a long ways for little ones! Love that Michael was recognized for his efforts, but definitely a hard way to learn. Ugh, I'm sure that just pulled on your heart strings and all you can do is be supportive and encourage them to try again. Can't believe your kids are getting so grown up!
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