April 3, 2002

The second day of Nationals introduces us to new events, new times, new people, and even more records broken. When you walk in, in the morning, still groggy from sleep, you pass by Joe and Jim, The Gate Guys. But these aren’t your normal everyday “Lemme see your ticket” Gate Guys. They make waiting in line a fun experience. Armed with back massagers and high fives for everyone, Joe and Jim make the hot mornings enjoyable. They open up the meet with a big “Good Morning Ft. Lauderdale! Who’s ready for Day 2 of Nats?” The Gate Guys get the crowd and the swimmers revved up for the day ahead. A glance around the pool and up at the stands reveals thousands of smiling, enthusiastic parents, family members, and just huge fans of swimming. The atmosphere thrives with such excitement words cannot describe. Everyone is ready for Day 2 and to swim fast. The meet starts, the first horn goes off, and the preliminaries of Day 2 are off and swimming. Teams gather behind lanes to cheer on their fellow teammates, while other swimmers lounge out in the sun or under canopies, and still others are loosening up in the warm-up pool. No matter what the swimmers are doing however, some feelings remain unanimous. Every swimmer here has worked hard to get down here, and I’m sure we are all happy to be here. Whether swimming one event or ten events, seeded first or last, we are all trying to do our best. We are filled with adrenaline, we all have the power of our mind, and with that power, anything is possible.

Carlee Carew, Tim Conway, and Bryan Geiger

Ocean County YMCA Tigersharks

New Jersey