To say that I was a bundle of nerves was an understatement! I remembered taking the same test when I was 13, and already, I found it arduous. Of course, Miss Perfectionist kept reiterating to me that she will fail the test, and I kept reassuring her in a bright chirpy tone that she will do just fine.
She can now swim better than me - in terms of stamina. I cannot even complete 2 whole laps without needing to stop and pant in despair! So Hubby and I now rest our gazes at her with fond respect and just that little bit of warm parental pride.
I guess photographs paint a more complete picture in this case:
With her swim buddies before the test - Jessica and Cheryl. It had been ages since I saw a swimming pool with a high-rise diving platform!
Taking a group shot with her swim coach Michael. He is a gem with the right mix of gentle encouragement and firm discipline.
1st hurdle: Straddle or tuck jump entry from the side of the pool, and swim 50m in pajamas.
4th hurdle: After treading water for 3 minutes, undress in water and make a float from pajamas. We heard nothing but the tortuous panting of the kids trying hard to stay afloat for 3 minutes in their pajamas and then struggling to make floats - was rather heartbreaking, really!
Wheee!! I can rest for a little while!
Brows furrowed in consternation...in anticipation of the next challenge: 8 continuous laps, or 400 metres, in an Olympic-sized pool.
Taking a well-deserved reprieve before the next plunge.
Go, Big Bee, go! Her 8th and final lap...
After 400 metres and a surface dive, it is with both relief and a triumphant gait that she emerged from the pool!
"I can relax at long last!" Munching on yummy snacks at the swimming complex's canteen (remember those traditional ones?)
2 comments:
Sounds very siong! Well done ; )
viv: It was siong, I was v heartpain, man!
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