When we got to the pool early in the morning I could taste chlorine and I could see sparkling water ahead of me.

Once everyone was changed Vanessa said a prayer for the day we started the events. The first event was four lengths of freestyle all ages. When I was standing at the starting block I shut my eyes and calmed myself down. We started. I’m calm first, but at the back. I’m on my last lap. I want to pick up the pace so I can at least come sixth. I hit the wall, I’m done.

I hold the wall and take a big breath then we get told to go to the ladder. I went back to the benches for a quick rest before my next race. My next was here, time to swim.

I lined up at my lane and jumped in because the medley was first backstroke. When Mr.K said go I shot off and started swimming with thrashing arms and kicking legs. I go to do a tumble-turn into breast-stroke. I swivelled my arms and legs through the water. I was ready to turn around into freestyle at the big bumpy blue wall. I’m there and ready to turn into freestyle with thrashing arms and legs through the water ahead of me. I’m last, again. After the race I had morning tea.

I actually kind of felt good about losing because another person got a chance to come sixth.