Bristol Henleaze Swimming Club

I appreciate the support I have received from BHSC swimmers and parents alike, despite placing my self-motivation as one of my better attributes, no one can do anything challenging alone, and standing on the block in the Olympic pool, legs trembling, it was nice to know that I had a few people who believed in me! I thought if I wrote my thoughts regarding the Olympic trials down, some of you may find my feelings of use as I’m sure many of you have experienced similar.

For the first time in my life I did everything I could to prepare for a meet. I didn’t miss a single training session, I remained continuously aware of my hydration state, committed to a balanced and healthy diet, limited my treats, limited my late nights, and  limited my lie in’s I suppose as well. Physiologically I was in shape to swim the fastest I had ever swam in my life, I was getting PB’s in training and hitting my target pace repeatedly like never before, but nothing, nothing whatsoever, can prepare you for the psychological challenge that is the Olympic trials.  It comes around only every four years, and every time, so I’m told, never fails to be the most apprehensive, most challenging and most nerve-wracking 10 days of the swimming calendar. It’s the competition where dreams are achieved and dreams are shattered, the Olympic Games themselves, apparently, hold less tension.

Within my training regime there is a large focus on training the brain, I’ve got tougher, more resilient to pain, more confident and reached a greater understanding of what it takes to be the best. However, the nerves and the pressure I felt in my 100m freestyle heat are something I was not expecting. Sure I’ve swam county, regional, BUCS, national and British finals, but none of those experiences could thoroughly prepare me for London. Obviously I am disappointed with my result, but on reflection, and believe me I have thoroughly reflected, this happened for a reason.  It was my first competition at so high a level, indeed perhaps for me to PB would have been a miracle! I now know that nerves, pressure and stress are all psychological challenges that I must learn to control and channel into positive energy during my swim in order to do myself justice when I stand up to race.

To be part of such an elite competition, to feel the hype, to revel in the challenge and mix with some of the most talented and driven people in the world is no ordinary experience.  So much has changed since leaving BHSC and COB, and it’s all because I simply decided that I was going to commit, fully, to be the best I can be on a daily basis.  I believe that anyone can do what I’m doing, those who want success enough and take pride in doing everything they do to the best of their ability will be the ones who reach their potential.  I try to push target times and GB team selection criteria out of my mind, for what I really want to achieve is my limit, I want to reach the point where I have done everything possible to be the best I can be, and who knows where that could take me, the journey is not over yet.  I mustn’t forget to enjoy the ride, because it’s probably going to be the best of my life.

Rebecca