After watching the athletes compete on television I thought about the Masters Swim Meet I attended last week. No, as Masters athletes we are not "current" Olympians and no, we are not on the world stage with the pressure of performing for our country, however, we can still be afflicted by the ultimate highs and lows that accompany competing in sport. As I reflected on the competition it occurred to me that I had the privilege of viewing several emotional highs and lows at this swim meet and others.
There were two gentleman that stood out in particular for me. The first I met before the 400 IM. The event was full and he was unable to get a spot; he patiently waited to see if there would be a no show. Unfortunately for him, all competitors showed for the race and his disappointment could be felt. The next race was the 100 m breaststroke. He was in the heat before me in my lane. He was entered with 1:30.00 and finished in 1:17!!! His disbelief and excitement was contagious. This excitement carried him through his other races, his disappointment of not swimming the 400m forgotten. He was again in the heat before me for the 100 IM; the time he swam won the meet, out right! He took 13 seconds off his time to finish in 1:07. It was an incredible feeling to see his surprise and elation over the improvement he had made!
The other gentleman was attempting to qualify for World Master's Swimming Championships happening in Montreal this summer. He took 7 seconds off his 100m freestyle to make the cut for World's! There is something so wonderful seeing the smiles of those who have had a personal victory. I left the meet feeling happy inside and happy for others.
Masters isn't all happiness, improved times and spectacular personal achievement. Unfortunately there are personal disappointments that occur too. Last year at provincials I watched a young woman exit her event in tears, angry with herself at how she finished her race. She had set a goal and didn't reach it. She had let herself down. The pain was as real and as devastating to her at the Master's level as it is to an athlete competing on the World stage.
The stories of the Olympians inspire and amaze me. The stories of the athletes I meet everyday at the pool or a competition, provide me with the same inspiration to continue to set and achieve new goals and live and be apart of the emotional highs and lows that accompany them. It is important for us to embrace our sport, regardless of what level we compete at. The elation or emotional pain felt after an event is very real and okay. The work has been put in and the effort extended in hopes of reaching the personal goal that's been set. It's okay to feel disappointment, that means you are striving for something, you have purpose and a goal. It is also okay to feel like you are incredible and on the top of the world, because you set a goal and achieved it!!! Those people that set goals are in the minority. Only 3 percent of the population actually set goals! Be proud if you're one of them.
