Tuesday July 31, 2001

Lori Schwanhausser

Wilton Y Wahoos, CT

Day 1 of my final YMCA Nationals: a bittersweet experience. As I walked into the natatorium, I realized how incredibly special this meet is and how no other meet, collegiate or other, will ever match Nationals. At trials, I didn’t quite realize that I was truly here, at my last Y Nationals, swimming one of my last races as a Wahoo. When our medley relay did not make top 16 to compete at finals this morning, my heart sank. Because relays are such a big part of this meet, it disappointed me that we did not have that vital ingredient for the day. And when our men’s relay disqualified, this seemed to lay a damper on our entire team. Yes, we all swam well in the morning, but without those relays, we felt left hout. I was upset that such a large obstacle had been put in our way by losing that chance to score those vital points for the team. When I arrived at finals tonight, music playing, seeing every team dressed up in their unique style, I realized the true meaning for our team’s participation in this meet: unity. The parade began, and since I was swimming, I did not get to take part in it. However, this let me watch it from my team’s bleachers. Looking in on the opening ceremonies, I mentioned to my coach how incredible this meet is. Teams come together here more than at any other meet. It seems as if the “team” is so much more important than the “me”, which in swimming is not always apparent. As finals began, the nerves began to build inside for my one race, the 50 Free. But these were not bad nerves. They were nerves of excitement, and I realized why I had decided to come here. I was not here to go certain times. I was here race and have fun, which is the reason why I have stuck with this sport for the past twelve years. So I swam my race. And though I did not swim as fast as I would have liked nor place as high as I had wanted, I was content nonetheless. I realized that every race I swim is not going to be superb: that is not part of this sport. But I was able to race, which is something I love to do, at my last Y Nationals, and that in itself made me happy. So I’m off to bed for tonight; tomorrow is a new day. And I know that no matter what happens, I will have fun. Whether I swim fast or slow, because it is almost impossible to come to this meet and walk away without a positive experience.