Charlie's First Swim Meet

This summer, I signed Charlie up for the Skybrook Swim Team. It's a neighborhood swim team whose primary goal is to encourage team spirit and friendly competition for kids ages 5 and up. I thought it would be a great opportunity for him to see what "competition" is like since he's never played t-ball or soccer. I know you're surprised to hear this but Charlie's never really been interested in any stick and ball sport.

Anyway, the Skybrook Swim Team (which is actually very good, by the way... local champs for the last several years), is great for Charlie for several reasons. First, it's the perfect opportunity to compete individually but as part of a team at the same time. Second, swimming does wonders for building strength in Charlie's core and back (which he desperately needs). And, since he's been swimming from the time he was 9 months old, I thought it might actually be something he's good at. (I love my child dearly, but coordinated, he ain't. Not yet, anyway. Too much arm and leg to control at this point!)

We've had swim team practices since mid-May, and frankly, i's been quite the commitment. Practices are 30 minutes, Monday-Thursday, every week. But, we've stuck with it and last week, it was finally time to put all of that practice to the test... at our very first swim meet!

We were supposed to be the away team last Tuesday at a neighborhood called Cedarfield. We trekked over there, set up and were ready to go when Mother Nature decided that she had other plans for our swim meet. So, long story short, they scheduled an inter-squad swim meet for the following day (meaning Skybrook would compete against itself, just for practice.)

This actually worked out well for us because Charlie was nervous about competing. With an inter-squad swim meet, Charlie could practice competing before he actually had to do it for real. Perfect!

So, the pictures you'll see below are actually a mix of photos from Tuesdays rain-out, Wednesdays inter-sqaud meet and Thursdays actual meet at home against Cedarfield.

And, if you're wondering how Charlie did, here are the results:

Inter-squad meet:
6 & Under 100 Yard Freestyle Relay - 2nd (team results)
6 & Under 25 Yard Freestyle - 12th (of 13, boys & girls mixed)

Cedarfield meet:
6 & Under 100 Yard Freestyle Relay - 4th (of 5, team results)
Boys 6 & Under 25 Yard Freestyle - 5th (of 11)

As you can see, he did much better at the second meet. Here's what we worked on after what we saw at the first meet:

1. Don't look at Mom and Dad and giggle in the middle of your lap. Yes, it's cool. Yes, it's fun. Yes, we're watching. Now GO! FAST!
2. Don't look behind you and see how far ahead of your competitor you are. Look straight ahead and go as fast as you can.
3. When you get to the wall, don't stop, tread water and check your goggles before you touch the wall. Reach out and touch the wall as fast as you can.

In Charlie terms, think of it as a drag race and your a high octane dragster that shoots fire out the back when it takes off and doesn't brake until it crosses the finish line. Got it? 

We're sure to win the next swim meet now...

(P.S. I also have video of Charlie's inter-squad swim meet below. Enjoy!)

This photo is from Tuesday's rain-out. He's ready to go, complete with his
meet info written out on his arm. Michael Phelps, look out!

Little Brother wanted to have his info written on his arm, too!
(It says, "Arning. Little Bro.")

"Swimmers take your mark. Get set. GO!"
(Part dive. Part belly flop.)

See what I mean? Giggle and smile.
It's cute, but this is a race, son! Surely you have SOME of your Mama's
competitiveness in you somewhere!

Don't look at us! Go! GO!

Now we're talkin'! He looks like a pro!

This is the relay. He's getting a pep talk from a parent volunteer.

Nice form there Charlie!

Ok. Now we're onto the official swim meet against Cedarfield.
He has his game face on here.

It's the relay. He's off!

Steely determination!

This is the 25 yard freestyle.
It's a dead heat!

You did it, Charlie! Awesome!

And, here's some video for your to enjoy. This is from the inter-squad meet.

This first video is the giggling episode. So cute though! (I love Chase in the background, cheering Charlie on... and saving him a popsicle.)



And, here's the relay from the inter-squad meet.

WAY TO GO, CHARLIE! 

We're super proud of you!