Emma to Western Zones in Hawaii
Donation protected
Ever since last year, I have had a goal of going to the Western Zones Age Group Championship. There are 4 zones in the United States and the qualifying times to attend the meet are so fast I wasn't sure I would ever be able to make the time cuts.
After Regionals this year back in May, I realized that all my hard work this season had me in reach of qualifying for Zones in the 200 backstroke. When I knew there was a small chance, I worked harder than I ever have before. I did core work after swim, barre classes with my mom, and even ran and biked to and from school everyday. I almost never missed any practices and gave my 100% during each workout.
When the time came to race, I realized that I couldn't just give 100% at the pool because I was still coming up short by 3 seconds. I cut out dessert, got extra sleep, kept hydrated, and ate healthier.
I had one last chance to qualify at the Wenatchee Starlight Invitational meet. I was losing confidence but had to put my doubts behind me and race. After my warm up, I stood behind the starting block with my dad. He was talking me through the plan and giving me extra encouragement. The prior heat went off and I was up next. I felt like vomiting because of my nerves but jumped in the pool and grabbed the starting block bars. I took my first 50 out fast knowing I had to have a quick tempo. When I hit the wall, all I could do was hold my breath and dolphin kick. I came up gasping for air but kept going. I knew I was going into auto-pilot mode and just let my body do what it had to do. I came off the second wall and started to feel the pain. There was a little voice in the back of my head saying that I wasn't going to be able to make it, but then my mom's voice came into my head saying, the race isn't over until it's over. I kept going and after surfacing after the 3rd wall, I looked back to see my teammates waving their arms and screaming. Seeing that gave me new strength in my legs and I turned it on to the finish. I touched the wall and heard cheers. I needed a 2:46.49 and looking up at the clock, I saw 2:45.21. I had made it with 1.2 seconds to spare. I tried to pump my fist, but there was no life left in me.
I dragged myself out of the pool and tears of joy ran down my face as I saw my family. I made it.
Now the second part of the challenge begins. Although I have been saving with hopes that this would happen, I have very little time to come up with the $1500 needed to get me there. My dad is going with me and that doesn't cover any of his costs. I've been working hard babysitting, cleaning, and I gave up my birthday party to save money. I've done 2 lemonade stands and have had lots of people ask how they can support me when they can't be there in person.
I'm so grateful for the support I have received from my friends and family. It is more than I could ever ask for. Thank you so much for supporting me and helping me make this dream of mine come true.
After Regionals this year back in May, I realized that all my hard work this season had me in reach of qualifying for Zones in the 200 backstroke. When I knew there was a small chance, I worked harder than I ever have before. I did core work after swim, barre classes with my mom, and even ran and biked to and from school everyday. I almost never missed any practices and gave my 100% during each workout.
When the time came to race, I realized that I couldn't just give 100% at the pool because I was still coming up short by 3 seconds. I cut out dessert, got extra sleep, kept hydrated, and ate healthier.
I had one last chance to qualify at the Wenatchee Starlight Invitational meet. I was losing confidence but had to put my doubts behind me and race. After my warm up, I stood behind the starting block with my dad. He was talking me through the plan and giving me extra encouragement. The prior heat went off and I was up next. I felt like vomiting because of my nerves but jumped in the pool and grabbed the starting block bars. I took my first 50 out fast knowing I had to have a quick tempo. When I hit the wall, all I could do was hold my breath and dolphin kick. I came up gasping for air but kept going. I knew I was going into auto-pilot mode and just let my body do what it had to do. I came off the second wall and started to feel the pain. There was a little voice in the back of my head saying that I wasn't going to be able to make it, but then my mom's voice came into my head saying, the race isn't over until it's over. I kept going and after surfacing after the 3rd wall, I looked back to see my teammates waving their arms and screaming. Seeing that gave me new strength in my legs and I turned it on to the finish. I touched the wall and heard cheers. I needed a 2:46.49 and looking up at the clock, I saw 2:45.21. I had made it with 1.2 seconds to spare. I tried to pump my fist, but there was no life left in me.
I dragged myself out of the pool and tears of joy ran down my face as I saw my family. I made it.
Now the second part of the challenge begins. Although I have been saving with hopes that this would happen, I have very little time to come up with the $1500 needed to get me there. My dad is going with me and that doesn't cover any of his costs. I've been working hard babysitting, cleaning, and I gave up my birthday party to save money. I've done 2 lemonade stands and have had lots of people ask how they can support me when they can't be there in person.
I'm so grateful for the support I have received from my friends and family. It is more than I could ever ask for. Thank you so much for supporting me and helping me make this dream of mine come true.
Organizer
Emma Thompson
Organizer
Spokane, WA