Bare arms and toned legs fill my view
My own tremble slightly as I make my way to the edge of the concrete
I try to remind myself that it’s only the beginning
I try to remind myself of my hours of preparation
I try to remind myself that the cheers invading my ears are for me
But I only remember the color of the water
I only remember its cool, inviting touch
I look up; I see faces
Some are familiar and smiling
Some are unknown; their eyes observant and judging
No one can help me now
I’ll enter alone; I’ll race alone
I’ll rejoice or cry all alone
A speaker screams with a crackling voice, telling me my time has come
The starting blocks resemble mountains
Tall, intimidating, statures to guide me
My fear of falling disappears
The bodies beside to me assume the same position
Ready
Thoughts whiz through my head and bounce off the walls of my skull
Invisible creatures born to distract me
I can’t comprehend them; there’s no time
One deep breath is all I have time for
One deep breath is all I need
That, and speed of course
The buzzer sounds and the rest of the world fades to grey
I jump