The Competition Begins

Finally. The Junior Nationals Swimming in Austin has begun. Today was the first day of competition. Our granddaughter, Kylie, had only one event--time trials in the 50 freestyle. She didn't qualify for the competition here in the 50 free, but this time trial allows Kylie to try for a good time in the event. Competition at this level is all about times. Swimmers don't progress by winning lower level meets. They get here by having times that are good enough to qualify.  That time is always their highest best time in each event.

Kylie is the only member of her Colorado team to qualify for this meet.  On Tuesday, she attended classes before leaving for the airport.  When she went out to her car in the morning, her swim team members had decorated her car to support her.

She showed us her suit.

Then her mom bought her a sweatshirt from this meet. She has one from every competition above the state level that she has participated in. Here is the front, as well as symbols on the sleeves--# (hashtag) free, back, fly and swim. She will be swimming in freestyle, back stroke and butterfly events.

From the stands, we watched her walk to the poolside with her coach, Bill.

We watched her take off her sweatshirt and stretch, then get ready to dive in the pool.

And they're off!

Less than 30 seconds later, Kylie came in second in this heat. The best news is, she improved on her previous best time.

Her coach then escorted her off the pool deck, giving her pointers to improve future times.