Summer Championships

The kids joined a competitive swim team last fall. They have really enjoyed it, and have improved more than I imagined possible, over the past 11 months. Last weekend was their LSC's Summer Championships, which was their first meet that had qualifying standards. It was pretty exciting for them, as they both qualified to swim.

Austin competed in all 4 50 meter events, as well as the 100 Free and Back, and the 200 Free. He earned 3 medals and 3 ribbons!!! He improved on ALL of his personal bests, which most were set just three week prior. He actually improved his 200 Freestyle by 14 seconds, just from 3 weeks ago! He also got his first time standard for the next level of his swim team, so he was really happy. He needs three to move up, and he can hardly wait for his next chance to try!

Hannah also competed in all 4 50 meter events, as well as the 100 Free and 100 Back. She was in a slightly different situation, as 8 year old only have 1 qualifying standard (the 100 Free) and to swim any other 100 meter event or longer, she had to qualify with the 9-10 year old standards. So that's just what she did with the 100 backstroke. A few weeks ago, she did a timed trial at a meet, so she could qualify to swim the 100 backstroke with the "big girls". She earned 4 medals and 2 ribbons, and swam 5 personal best times.

All in all, the kids impressed me all weekend. They had great attitudes, set goals for themselves and met most of them, and came away from their first Summer Championships feeling like winners. Their grandpa and grandma even came and sat through most of it, cheering for them and following whereever the kids led... the kids sure do enjoy having a little fan base.

I've observed something lately about my kids: they really don't believe there are limits on their potential. They keep working hard at their goals, and keep reaching them. When something has been difficult or frustrating for them, they just asked for more time in the pool to master their obstacle. I hope they always have that type of attitude. Obviously, as their mom, I want to see them be successful in their ventures, and enjoy the journey.