Swim Season

The Banana is finishing her swim season this week with an important two day sectional meet in the Cities. Since it is far away, we won’t get to be spectators, but actually I got to see her swim at more swim meets this season than ever before because of my maternity leave from teaching lessons.

I like watching swim meets. I find it kind of mesmerizing. Back and forth. Back and forth. And then there is excitement at the finish.

The Banana has mostly been swimming the 500 (lots of laps) and the 400 relay, along with some other events every once in awhile. She’s had a good season, getting faster bit by bit, thanks to long, hardworking practices.

Something that I have loved about watching swim meets is how all of these competitive girls have a healthy body image hanging out in their swimsuits. As The Banana noted one day, every body shape and size is represented, all of them are strong and good swimmers. No one is cowering in their race suits, they are ready to GO! I love it especially because it is so different from how I ever felt as a teenager.

Additionally, I have great respect for the girls on the dive team. Every eye in the room is on them while they are twisting and turning midair, and they bravely manage to maintain a high degree of composure even when a dive doesn’t go quite right and they have to get back up there and do another one. Also, how in the world does one teach their body to do those tricks in the air before they splash down in the water?!?