A fast-playing sequence of precise movements,
together forming an obstacle
of body and mind. 

An array of barriers waiting to be broken by some
unexpected burst of adrenaline.
The science of organized chaos, coming together
for one simple series of numbers,
displayed in red.


An endless well of pressure to be better
than the body will allow. 

Medals to be displayed like frozen
moments of past glory.
Measurement of skill based on insignificant pieces of time.

But they are significant.

Determining a lifetime of stories in
one
slow-motion
moment.



The race is free from the pressure, the voices, the science,
but not the pain.

The pain drives the mind to the edge,
by some miracle it doesn't fall. 

There's only the touch of the water, 

holding you back, shoving you forward.

Your reasons for being where you are are reduced to one:
Love. 
Love of the glory, the pride, the rush.
Love of the spirit.

Love of the sport.


For some, swimming is a simple act
of getting across a pool. 

For me, its everything else.