Legs, they’re trembling with nervous excitement.Muffled voices pulse through your head.You’re moving nowPerchedTense at the edge.You grip the lip of the block.Your body shakes with the sound of the start,ButYou’re already gone.

You slip into the waterLike it’s meant to be. It is.The rush pulls you.Through the water you speed.Your body taking controlArms, legs, coreGliding in perfect precision.

You snort something into your airway.Gasping for airYou leave the perfect world for a flashOf a second.

Halfway to the TMarble Seven in view.Can you make it?

One last breathAnd you completely submerge.Spinning through the bubblesA hair away from the wall.You kick.Hard pressure starts at your feetIt spreads,Rocketing your body backwards.

A few seconds left. You’re still on fire, but it’s fading.Your speed is no longer fasterThan your heartbeat.You kick it in the last few yardsKnowingThe end is near.

You slam both hands on the wallSmiling, screaming, laughing,You pump your fists in the airAs you watchThe other swimmers finishAfter you.