A defining moment is a specific time in your life where you feel as if you've found what shapes you and makes you who you are today as a person. My defining moment was almost two years ago in the December of 2014. For me, it was the most important swim meet of the year, Team Champs in Sudbury, Ontario. Every year I would look forward to travelling with my team to race fast and have fun. The one race which really stood out, and helped define me as a person was my 100 meter breaststroke. The 100 meter breaststroke has always been my best race, pretty much since I first started swimming eight years ago. Going into this particular race, I didn't really know what to expect. Just coming off of a knee injury the previous spring, this was only the second time I actually competed in this race since then. I actually ended up making finals after an astounding race in the preliminaries. Going into finals I was very nervous, I began to question whether my knee would hold up, and I honestly had no idea what would happen. When I dove in the pool for my last final of the weekend, I suddenly had a rush of adrenaline and confidence that I could do it. The last length, I raced to the finish with all that I had left in me. Looking up at the clock to see my time, I realized I not only got a best time, but I made my provincial standard and would be competing for my team at the Ontario Provincial Championships. Additionally, I also got 3rd place in our division which was also a huge accomplishment for me. This experience helped give me more confidence as a person and understand what it means to never give up. My defining moment helped make me who I am today.
Congratulations! There is something exhilarating about surpassing your own goals and expectations for yourself. I felt this two years ago when I ran a half-marathon. My goal was to finish in 2 hours and 15 minutes, so I was ecstatic when I finished just over 2 hours.
ReplyDeleteI have a question, that may be stupid...and there is such thing as stupid questions. When other athletes have issues with their knees, they can wear a brace or other device. Does something like that exist for swimming?
Natalie, that is very impressive, I am glad you got to prove to yourself that with hard work and determination you could place on the podium even after an injury setting you back. Your defining moment reminds me of the time I broke my ankle before a provincial trampoline competition. I was very disappointed that I wouldn't be able to compete because of my injury. Once I got my cast off and I started to do physiotherapy, I started training and working around the clock so I would be able to compete in the upcoming competition. The day of the meet, I was very nervous, I was worried I wasn't good enough and I was worried my ankle would rebreak. I ended up coming in first out of fifty people, on a provincial level, for women's 13 and up. That day proved to me that an injury might have set me back, but it didn't matter because of that determination I had to work hard and be the best I could be. Fantastic moment, Natalie!
ReplyDelete