Above is the definition of swimming. This is hardly the half of what defines the sport of swimming and the life of a swimmer. Swimming is a truly unique sport. However, most swimmers are the same. There are several different things that will definitely point out who swims and who doesn't set foot in the water twice a day, every day (the coordinated on land).
Imagine sitting class and a classmate walks by; there is this odor that fills your nose. You can't quite put your finger on it; not good, not bad. Is it perfume? Do they just smell? Then, all of a sudden you get a picture in your mind about going to the pool last summer with friends or family. No it isn't perfume, you might think they smell or you might like it oddly. This fragrance is chlorine. The smell sticks to your hair, clothes, and even in the pores of your skin if you are a swimmer. You cant get rid of it. You think its gone after scrubbing in the shower with the most flowery smelling body wash, putting on a scented lotion, and spraying perfume; but no. There is still that one person that asks, "do you smell that?" in class and you must explain that you swim.
Swimmers have this swagger. The coolest "look" by my standards. First, swimmers don't try very hard to look nice. Girls almost always wear sweats and a sweatshirt; its the uniform. Secondly, the hairdos. Guys: discolored. Girls: in a bun. The chlorine already mentioned is just fabulous for hair. It is nourishing and makes it silky and smooth. Nope, quite the opposite really. Boys with dark brown or black hair, no longer have brown or black hair. It is this gray, yellow color just at the tips of the hair. Almost as if the hair has sand embedded throughout it. Girls get tired of having to do theirs; the solution is a messy, totally cute bun right at the top of their head. Why do it if you're just going to get it wet again later in the day?
Negativity and Competitiveness. These are two major qualities in a swimmer. I have never met one that doesn't complain about going to practice at five a.m. and then again at five at night, missing every social event known to man because of practice conveniently at the same time, or tan lines when summer roles around. Swimmers put in so much time. It would be nice to maybe just be fast without having to go to practice so that we could just get to the fun part, racing. Races are exhilarating and swim meets are super fun. Getting on to a pool deck with your team behind you, with your chlorine smell, hair in a bun or bleached, and in sweats is the best feeling. There are hundreds of other swimmers there just like you; but none just the same. There are the special things about your team, your coach, and your friends that divide you from the others the minute you step onto the block.
Here is the best video that truly helps to convey what I have just blogged about. This video has an example of every possible thing a swimmer would never say. A group of NOVA swim kids made it and it is absolutely awesome :)
Hi Makenna! I like how you said that the definition of swimming is hardly the true definition. I think that goes for everything and you're right, there's so much more to something you love and are passionate about! I want to ask why you swim, what about it makes you love it so much? When did you realize this? Basically, your overall depth on your passion for swimming! Otherwise, what a sweet blog!
ReplyDeleteI love how the passion you have for swimming shines through your blog. This post in particular was interesting to me. It gives insight to the life of a swimmer. The comment above me asked a really interesting question, and I think it would make a great blog post: why do you love to swim, and how did you get into swimming? Anyway, great blog. Keep on writing (and swimming)! (:
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