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Inside the race: 100m Freestyle (Long course - 50m pool)

As you enter the pool, you immediately recognise the familiar smell of chlorine..You scan the scene...taking in the overall layout if the pool deck and it's inhabitants.

You notice the sounds of the pool, the coaches and swimmers talking, the sound of the water splashing...the gun go off at the start off the race, as other heats go off before you.

You imagine yourself getting ready for the race...getting into your suit...spending sometime stretching...and going over the last minute details in your head..This is your best race...you're well prepared for this event and you are feeling mentally strong.

The official calls your event...Imagine yourself on the blocks..the starter commands 'Take Your Marks' ... you bend down into the starting position.

At the sound of the beep you take off..A strong powerful dive into the water...neat, clean and streamlined...a powerful kick to propel you to the surface.

As you surface you begin strong beautiful strokes.. You feel the water slipping off your skin..the sound of the water splashing as you move quickly through the water.

Each stroke you begin to feel stronger and stronger...moving through the water with speed.. You notice another swimmer near you..you put him/her out of your mind.. and strive to race your own race..even more you concentrate on each stroke..as you approach the first turn.. you approach it quickly..start the turn..throw your legs over your head.. and push off hard into a tight streamline position...you do several quick kicks and again surface... attacking the second half of the race.

As you begin to swim home, you are still feeling very strong..you've trained all year for this race and it feels great.. stroke after stroke you force yourself forward... 35 metres to go.. you kick harder going into over drive..more on the legs..faster..faster..as you pull towards the finish..you feel your speed increasing.

You are completely focused on your stroke.. your breathing.. you are doing everything as it should be done.. with poise and purpose.. with each stroke you dig into your reserves.. pushing yourself above and beyond your expectations. Pulling, propelling, surging forwards.. you move yourself forward.. put your head down and lunge towards the wall.

You immediately look up at the score board.. a best time... and a win on top of that.. you slowly begin to regain awareness, colours come into focus, you hear the roar of the crowd.. you realise you've achieved your goal.. you get out of the pool and dry yourself off.. you become aware of the feelings of excitement and accomplishment.. pride builds inside you.... you have succeeded.....

...... YOU ARE A GREAT SWIMMER!!!