Wow!!! The suspense mounts
 

STS,

In his response to Part 7, shaulis said he hoped that Jimmy would have a good time at the meet in Boston. Well, There's no doubt about that. I love the way you create the youthful enthusiasm in Jimmy and also the budding romance with Abby - part boy/part maturing young man. The hero worship that Jimmy shows towards Greg is so real to the point of his wearing a suit that Greg bought him to the pool with Paul and Buffy and then wearing a suit under his shorts to the meet, wanting to be a swimmer just like Greg. Jimmy really looks up to Greg and even after his first race, Greg shows his caring to give Jimmy a thumbs up after throwing a kiss to Monique. I always say this but it bears repeating - all your characters are kind, decent, thoughtful people.

Another wonderful section, a joy to read. You even got in a little bit about meet strategy. Can't wait for the next part. One question: Is Phillip the same person from an earlier story, just younger?


Mark

part 8
 

STS,

My hope that Jimmy have a good time in Boston is coming to fruition. Greg is solidly in the 2nd round and with Gregs strategy working probably the win. I love that Jimmy has Abby as a girlfriend. Jimmy hopes that by wearing the swimsuit Greg bought him brings Greg luck at the swim meet. Jimmy thinks the world of Greg and it showed when he proudly told Paul and Buffy that Greg had bought a swimsuit for him.
I love this story and can't wait for the next chapter.


Brian

Another great chapter! I think Jimmy has a 'crush' on Greg - not in a sexual way, just the way a younger boy looks up to - or adores - an older boy whom he admires, which is cool. Love the image of the hot young swimmers in their tiny racing suits. Can't wait for the next installment!

Part 9
 

“So what got you interested in swimming?” Monique asked Jimmy as they ate lunch. It was the lunch intermission, a thirty minute mid day break in the action, mostly to give the teams a chance to regroup and assess the morning. Monique and Jimmy had walked outside and sat in the sun on a bench near the entrance. Jimmy was enjoying the attention of such a pretty girl.

“I saw it last summer on the Olympics,” Jimmy replied. “I thought the swimming and diving was really cool.”

“Yeah, those swimmers are really good,” Monique replied.

“I know, and they looked so fit and strong. It was amazing. I stayed up late watching them. Man can they swim fast, just like Greg,” Jimmy replied. He was becoming so passionate as he talked. It was clear he really loved the sport.

“Who is your favorite?” Monique asked.

“Well, Michael Phelps hasto be everyone’s favorite. But I also like Ryan Lochte and Nathan Adrian for USA. I like Ryan Cochrane from Canada, too.” Jimmy added. He thought for a moment. “I guess all the good swimmers are named Ryan,” he added with a chuckle.

“Any ladies?” Monique asked.


Jimmy blushed a bit. “I really like Natalie Coughlin, she is cute, too,” he said. “And there was a cute swimmer who swam the long distance, I can’t remember her name,” Jimmy added. Jimmy went into lots of details on each one.. Jimmy even knew their times, what medals they won, He even discussed past swimmers and knew everything about Maine (USA) swimmer Ian Crocker, and New Hampshire’s (USA) Jenny Thompson.

“Wow, you really know your swimmers,” Monique closed their longer discussion.

“Yeah, Jimmy said. “But my most favorite swimmer, out of all guys and ladies is Greg. I think he is way better than any of those guys.” Jimmy meant every word.

“That’s sweet, Jimmy.” Monique said as she stood to head back in. She wrapped her arm around his shoulder. He really was Greg’s little brother.

-------

Greg had swam two events in the morning, winning outright the second event, the short distance free, and, of course, his second place finish in the first round of the 100 fly. His next event was not until later in the afternoon, so he changed out of the tight and tiny little race swimsuit, sipping on a pair of blue nylon team shorts with no swimsuit underneath. His body needed the freedom from the chokehold the extremely small race suit had on him. Greg loved his swimsuits, but the race day ones were really a bit too tight to be comfortable.

“There he is,” Greg’s dad said to the group, pointing as Greg walked behind the starting blocks at the far end of the pool. Greg made his way past his team as they gave each other high fives. The meet was going well for the team, which was in second place behind a strong team from Connecticut.

“Hey everyone,” Greg said as he stood in front of his fan base.

“Hi Greg,” Jimmy replied as he reached and exchanged high fives, followed by a fist butt. “You are swimming awesome!” Jimmy added.

“Thanks, kid!” Greg replied. He leaned over and gave Monique a quick kiss, followed by a hug of his mom. Monique slid over, giving him some room to sit between Jimmy and her.

“Come sit, cutie,” Monique said.

Greg sat between them, checking his shorts to make sure all of his body was staying inside. He was commando under them, and they had a short two or three inch inseam. He kept his legs close together. “Probably should have worn a lose swimsuit under,” Greg thought to himself. Monique rubbed his exposed leg, which felt sensational. Greg wished he could lay back and have her massage both legs to loosen him back up for the afternoon events. It wasn’t stiffness in his shorts he was worried about, it was the risk his legs would tighten up during the break in action. Monique, on the other hand, enjoyed the feeling of his tight, muscular quads.

“See the guy in the green swimsuit,” Greg said to Jimmy. “Lane four. He is really amazing.” The first breast stroke event was about to start. The guys sat in silence as the swimmers prepared to leave the blocks. It was another display of amazing masculine power, all in different color racer cut briefs. All tight, all narrow, and they were all amazing. For Monique, it was quite the show of guys.

The gun went off and the green swimsuit swimmer made the best start of the eight, going further in the air and gracefully hitting the water. His powerful strokes began as soon as he hit the water and he was quickly, solidly in the lead. The second place guy, a cute blonde guy in a red brief with team logo on the left front, was in second, but already half a body back and losing ground.

“He is amazing,” Jimmy said.

“Yeah, coach says he has a good shot at the Olympics,” Greg answered.

“So do you,” replied Jimmy,

Greg wrapped his arm around Jimmy. “Your a good kid,” Greg replied, flattered by Jimmy’s comment. The two guys smiled at each other. Jimmy’s eyes showing his idolization of Greg. Greg’s showed his deep affection for Jimmy. It was one of the best moments in their friendship.

“Watch his flip, Jimmy” Greg explained. The two watched as green swam hard right to the wall and then was over and heading back without a single loss of pace.

“That was cool,” Jimmy said.

“Yeah,” Greg replied. “See how he never let up, that is the key. You know the wall is coming, but you just stay hard until you have to flip. Most swimmers slow, even just a fraction,” Greg explained. “That is what coach is trying to get me to stop doing.” Greg admitted.

“Wow, he is really good,” Jimmy said as they watched green continue to power down the pool, he was now so far ahead he had no worry of a loss, but he never let up. The swimmer from Greg’s team was third. Not the result they wanted, but not enough to throw them out of second team overall.

Well, gotta go,” Greg said. He gave Jimmy another fist butt. “Glad you are having fun.” He then grabbed Monique and gave her a big hug. He high fived his host dad and mom, followed by his own mom and dad. He tugged the legs of his blue shorts and headed back to the locker room. Time to get back into his tiny racer and get ready for his next events. It was another fly race, the final of the 100 meter from the morning. But first was the team relay (medley) event, Greg would be the fly racer.

Part 9 continued
 

In the locker room, which was shared by all teams, Greg slipped off his blue shorts and grabbed his still wet race suit. In his hand, the suit was so small it did not look like it could ever fit on Greg’s muscular body. He stood naked holding the suit under a hot air dryer to get some of the wet out, and the chill off. As he did he heard another swimmer in the locker room and turned to see Phillip, his arch rival in the IM standing at his locker. Just like Greg, Phillip was changing back from his shorts to his racer. Phillip had dark hair, black, but cropped very short. His body free of all other hair, just as Greg’s was. Even the hair around both guy’s private areas was shaved. Greg turned and acknowledged Phillip, who was also holding his wet racer suit in his hand.

“Hi Phillip,” Greg said. Despite being rivals, they both knew each other from past meets. The rivalry ended at the pool. While not really friends, they were friendly competitors.

“Hey, Greg. You are swimming well today,” Phillip acknowledged.

“Thanks, how is your meet going so far” Greg asked.

“Well, only one event this morning, came in third. That sucked,” Phillip answered. The two guys chatted for several minutes. Greg finally slipped into his race brief, the tight fit again smashing his anatomy. He tucked himself in the suit, which barely covered everything.

“Hey, that was a good idea, never thought of it,” Phillip said as he took his wet suit and held it under the dryer. He stood at the dryer watching Greg get dressed. As he admired Greg’s well sculptured body, Phillip got slightly aroused, his anatomy showing his interest in Greg. He took his hand and covered his rising anatomy as much as he could. Phillip was just coming to terms with being gay, and Greg was as hot a swimmer as he had ever seen.

“Hey, have a great swim,” Greg said as he started to head to the door, tying up his strings as he walked to the door, never looking back at Phillip.

“You too,” Phillip replied. Phillip was relieved that Greg skipped the usual hand shake and left when he did, not seeing the full extent of Phillip’s growing arousal. Alone in the locker room, Phillip slipped into the shower and sprayed himself with much needed cold water. It would be several minutes before he even dare try to smash himself into his won tight green race suit. Only a few swimmers created such a response on his young, gay body.

---------

Jimmy was all fired up as the team event kicked off. Greg’s team was in lane three. The guys all looked amazing in Jimmy’s mind. Each of the guys was tall, over six feet, except for Juan, who the team called JP. JP was of Mexican descent, his tan complexion a clear contrast to the pale white of the other three. He was handsome, 5’10”, had a long abdomen and his arms seemed to have as much length as the taller guys. JP was the breast stroke leg, it was obvious why. Greg would start with the fly. John, a blonde, curly haired guy would take the back, and then Craig was the wrap up with the free. Craig was the tallest, and he also seemed to have a really long torso and short legs. In Jimmy’s mind, Craig was the same build as Michael Phelps.

“Greg’s team is clearly the best,” Jimmy said to Greg’s two dads, real and host.

“Let’s hope so,” Greg’s real dad replied. He was flattered by Jimmy’s loyalty to his son, almost brother like, he thought.

“No hope to it,” Jimmy replied, “They will kick butt!” Jimmy sat n silence for a moment, then he apologized for saying butt. Greg’s mom was touched by the young teen’s politeness.

“Butt was a good choice,” Greg’s dad replied. “I had another word.” The guys all laughed.

“Swimmer’s mark,” the announcer called. Greg mounted and positioned on the blocks. Greg did his little ritual of rubbing his crotch, a sub-conscious act that he did not even realize he did. He also tugged the waist of his suit.

“Swimmers set,” came call two,. Greg readied his position. He needed two things, he needed a rock solid start, and he needed great turns.

“Don’t let up at the wall,” Greg heard his coach in his mind. “Reach as far as you can on the diver,” also rang through. Greg was oddly extra nervous. His eyes on the water. He paid no attention to the swimmers near him, nor to his fans sitting close.

The fake gun went off and the swimmers were in the air. Greg hit the water in a great dive, but a horn blew. Jimmy was shocked as all the swimmers stopped and stood.

“What happened?” Jimmy asked.

“False start. I think in lane six. Looked like he went just ahead of the horn.”

The eight swimmers climbed out of the pool. Greg shook his head, angry that he missed out on what was a picture perfect launch. He pulled his clinging suit from his anatomy. Monique smiled as she watched him. Guys wet swimsuit really showed off their best parts, thought Monique. Especially for Greg, who she thought had the most manly package of any guy she knew.

The swimmers mounted the blocks to start the race, again. The line up of wet swim suited guys was quite the show. It was a rainbow of colors and patterns. Monique lied best the red and gold print swimsuits on the team in lane two, right next to Greg’s team. She liked least the solid black suits on the team n lane eight, no imagination, she thought. Lane seven was a team mixed between briefs and jammers. Monique really disliked jammers. She thought jammers looked like bike shorts, which she liked on cyclists, but not on swimmers. In jammers, a guys parts always got stuck down by their legs, which just looked ugly, Monique thought.

“Reach,” Greg thought again as he stood on the starting block. “Stay hard to the wall,” the mantra running in his head. Greg was ready.

“Let’s do this,” JP yelled out in his Spanish accented speech. The tension and the enthusiasm running high on all the teams. The delay was the time required to reset all the clocks, touch pads and hand helds.

“False starts suck,” Greg finally said to his teammates. They did. They tugged away at the swimmer’s concentration, stirred up anger, and had the risk of messing a swimmer up.

“Stay focused,” Craig replied. He was a fiery red headed, lean guy. He patted Greg’s back. He looked amazing in the tiny swimsuit. He had the most well defined abs. Monique through he was almost as cute as Greg.

Finally, the calls. Jimmy was up out of his seat. Jimmy was almost as tense as the swimmers. “Go Greg,” Jimmy called, joined by Monique, as the gun went off. Greg was off the block with a solid launch, even better than before. He reached forward as far as he could, hitting the water just ahead of the swimmer in lane five, arguable the best team in the event. It was a clean start, no horn. Greg nailed it! JP was jumping and yelling. Craig applauded, and high fived JP. The noise in the arena was deafening, as the teams and the crowd yelled. Jimmy was taking it all in. Like the team, he was cheering loudly for Greg. John was mounting the block. Greg had four length of the pool to swim.

The race was on….

part 9
 

STS,

Monique knows Jimmy idolizes Greg like a brother after their talk during the meet lunch break. Greg's father noticed how much Jimmy idolizes Greg like a brother cheering for the team and Greg in particular. Phillip, Greg's main rival, is wrestling with being gay. All of the relay team wants Greg to set the pace for the team to win this race and hopefully the meet entirely. I can't wait for the next chapter to know the outcome.

Thanks again STS, for this great story so far.

Brian

Part 9
 

STS,

I am completely with Brian (shaulis) as I can't wait for the next part either. You toy with us in the way you create the suspense and the expectation that the race will have been finished before part 9 ends and then it doesn't. The focus on Jimmy's complete loyalty to Greg and his complete faith that Greg is the best swimmer is so well portrayed. Jimmy really acts like Greg is his older brother whom he looks up to enormously. Nice touch too with Monique's interaction with Jimmy during lunch, her drawing him out and showing him that she likes him. I also liked Jimmy's completely non sexual comment about how strong and fit the swimmers at the Olympics were. Greg continues to be the role model he has become for Jimmy and you can tell that he really likes playing the older brother role. Thanks for continuing the story.

Mark

Another exciting chapter - with a good blend of sports, sportsmanship, and a little sexiness thrown in! I love the way young Jimmy idolizes Greg - they are truly like a big brother/little brother pair. And now, Phillip may have a bit of a crush on Greg! Greg is one lucky guy - handsome, athletic, and loved or idolized by so many, male and female.

(Oh - one small comment - in a medley relay, the backstroker always leads off, since he has to start in the water. The medley events are swum in this order: back, breast, fly, free.)

the order of action...
 

Thanks for info. - never got it clear with the medley relays.


PS: Anyone know water polo team numbers?

swimmboy
 

The worst part is I knew that...lol. in my mind and when I wrote the last part I was thinking IM. I even had to go back and change it to team. I missed I had also used the IM order, which was just stupid on my part. Oh well, the best part of fiction is I can make up events that are totally new. I would have realized it when I described the rest of the race. I swam team in my swim team days, too. Moral of story...never finish a chapter after your morning swim and before adequate coffee.....


Thanks for calling me on my mix up.

it happens....
 

In chapter one Greg leaped out of the pool to watch Greg - but a minor slip doesn't spoil the good story.

Why would I have expected anything else?
 

Not sure Byron what the point of your post was.... just the usual Byron pile on, I guess. Let me see, if you scan the whole story, you can point out every typo in it... and they do exist(I suspect I meant Greg leaped out to watch Jimmy). Swimmboy caught a clear error and I appreciate him pointing it out. You are being your usual pedantic self.

STS

STS,

I've seen similar types of things in some of your other stories, mostly about names, but never felt the need to point them out. What's in a name anyway?

D67

STS,

You can put the order of the race anyway you want to because its your story. I knew you were on a team but I figured you were taking a writer's license to the relay order.


Shaulis

STS, please just keep writing great stories

New end of last part...
 

Writer note: I had inadvertently used the IM order in the team event. My error. Here is the corrected version...

Jimmy was all fired up as the team event kicked off. Greg’s team was in lane three. The guys all looked amazing in Jimmy’s mind. Each of the guys was tall, over six feet, except for Juan, who the team called JP. JP was of Mexican descent, his tan complexion a clear contrast to the pale white of the other three. He was handsome, 5’10”, had a long abdomen and his arms seemed to have as much length as the taller guys. JP was the breast stroke leg, it was obvious why. Greg would swim the fly. John, a blonde, curly haired guy would take the back, and Craig was the wrap up with the free. Craig was the tallest, and he also seemed to have a really long torso and short legs. In Jimmy’s mind, Craig was the same build as Michael Phelps.

“Greg’s team is clearly the best,” Jimmy said to Greg’s two dads, real and host.

“Let’s hope so,” Greg’s real dad replied. He was flattered by Jimmy’s loyalty to his son, almost brother like, he thought.

“No hope to it,” Jimmy replied, “They will kick butt!” Jimmy sat n silence for a moment, then he apologized for saying butt. Greg’s mom was touched by the young teen’s politeness.

“Butt was a good choice,” Greg’s dad replied. “I had another word.” The guys all laughed.

“Swimmer’s mark,” the announcer called. John was in the water, and mounted the starting block, grasping the hold bar and positioning himself for the back launch. The team’s tension was high. Greg did his little ritual of rubbing his crotch, a sub-conscious act that he did not even realize he did when he got anxious at swim meets.

“Swimmers set,” came call two,. John readied his position. John was a a solid back swimmer, it would be a rave between him and the team from Springfield, MA. John was taller, had longer arms, but like Greg, he lost time on his turns.

The fake gun went off and the swimmers were in the air, their arching backs just over the top of the water as they launched off the wall. John‘s start looked perfect. . Everyone was screaming. Suddenly a horn blew. Jimmy was shocked as all the swimmers stopped and stood.

“What happened?” Jimmy asked.

“False start. I think in lane six. Looked like he went just ahead of the horn.” answered Greg's dad.

The eight swimmers walked back to the wall. A couple jumped out of the water. Greg shook his head, angry that his teammate missed out on what was a picture perfect launch. John stood at the wall, the frustration clear on his face. Monique watched as the guys all huddled around their blocks, their tight swimsuits clinging to their bodies. A few of them still wet from the warm up swims, including Greg’s. She admired the way Greg’s swimsuit clung to his anatomy. He had the most manly looking package in her opinion.

The swimmers mounted the blocks to start the race, again. The line up of wet swim suited guys was quite the show. It was a rainbow of colors and patterns, as the swimmers held to the hold bar and lifted themselves into position. Monique liked best the red and gold print swimsuits on the team in lane two, right next to Greg’s team. She liked least the solid black suits on the team in lane eight, no imagination, she thought. Lane seven was a team mixed between briefs and jammers. Monique really disliked jammers. She thought jammers looked like bike shorts, which she liked on cyclists, but not on swimmers. In jammers, a guys parts always got stuck down by their legs, which just looked ugly, Monique thought.

“Okay, let‘s get this done,” Greg thought again as he stood on the deck. “Stay hard to the wall,” the mantra running in his head. Greg was ready for his leg now, but he had to wait for two legs ahead. “You can do this” he told his teammate.

“Let’s do this,” JP yelled out in his Spanish accented speech. The tension and the enthusiasm running high on all the teams as they waited for the calls. The delay was the time required to reset all the clocks, touch pads and hand helds.

“False starts suck,” Greg finally said to his teammates. They did. They tugged away at the swimmer’s concentration, stirred up anger, and had the risk of messing a swimmer up.

“Stay focused,” Craig replied. He was a fiery red headed, lean guy. He looked amazing in the tiny swimsuit. He had the most well defined abs. Monique through he was almost as cute as Greg.

Finally, the calls. Jimmy was up out of his seat. Jimmy was almost as tense as the swimmers. “Go Sharks” Jimmy called, joined by Monique, as the gun went off, referring to the team’s name. John was off the block with a solid launch, even better than before. He arched back as best as he could, hitting the water just ahead of the swimmer in lane five, arguable the best team in the event. It was a clean start, no horn. John nailed it! JP was jumping and yelling. Craig applauded, and high fived Greg. The noise in the arena was deafening, as the teams and the crowd yelled. Jimmy was taking it all in. Like the team, he was cheering loudly for John. Greg was jumping in excitement. He turned to look at Jimmy and pumped his fists.

The race was on….

I'm sorry for stirring up any trouble with my comment about medley order. I am really enjoying this story, and I like the realism of the descriptions, the emotions, the brotherhood and bonding we see in each chapter. As a swimmer, it just jumped out at me that Greg was swimming fly, so he shouldn't be first in the relay. Now, on to the race! Can't wait to see what happens! And thanks, STS, for writing this wonderful story for us to enjoy.

Swimmboy, I'm sure if you had not said something someone else would have and probably not as nice.

Swimmboy, I agree with Shaulis, no need to apologize; it was not your comment that stirred things up as you can tell from the reply you got from STS.

D67

Part 10
 

Monique found the team events fun to watch. The male bonding was interesting, much more physical than what females were like. Lots of action between the guys, hugs, pushes, shoves and high fives. She also like watching the once dry swimmers emerge from the pool as hot, sexy wet swimmers in clinging swimsuits. It seemed funny to her how the guys all had similar rituals, like taking the strings out of their suits after they were done with their event. She thought a guy with his drawstrings hanging free looked cute, sensual and approachable. It was a strangely sexy and inviting look. Especially when Greg did it. She just wanted to take those stings and tease him with them. But, Greg’s string were still in tact, his tension still high. His leg had yet to start.

John gave the team a great start. He swam his leg fast enough to put the team in second place, just slightly behind the Springfield swimmers. It was actually better than the coach expected. JP swam a fast first length of breast stroke, closing the gap. JP was clearly the strongest breast stroke swimmer in the pool on this day, but at this level the range of ability between the top three was slight. Greg mounted the starting block as JP headed down the pool on his last 50.

“Reach,” Greg heard his coach’s voice in his head. “Swim hard to the wall,” also rang in his mind. Greg’s eyes intently watched the water and the wall. In a team event the transition can be deadly. Launch too early and the team is out, false starts can end the best of swims. Launch to late and the team loses valuable time. The team spends quite a bit of time just practicing the transition. Teams that don’t lose races.

JP hit his last turn in a dead heat. He pushed hard off the wall. In his left peripheral vision he could see the swimmer next to him in lock step. Both had been swimming hard, both were tired. Both had to swim the fastest 25 they could. The sound of the cheers in the pool arena were as intense as a final four basketball game. Jimmy was not only out of his seat, he was bent over yelling as loud as he could. If JP could pull this off, Jimmy had no question Greg would beat every swimmer there. Even Monique had stopped admiring the guys and joined in the screaming.

By the midpoint of the pool, JP was just a hair ahead. His powerful strokes lifting his upper body from the water. The intensity of the race reflected in his facial expression. A surge… the swimmer lane left suddenly put on the gas, using whatever he had left. JP was late catching it, suddenly roles reversed. The edge was to the other guy. “Damn,” said John silently as he saw it happen. Greg heard nothing, his mind in a trance waiting for his start. Now more than ever he needed to nail his launch and turns.

A push to the wall. JP’s late response to the surge ended hopes of a lead finish, but maybe they could tie. They were just feet from the wall. “Push” the team yelled. JP kept the press on, as did swimmer left. Greg readied.

JP hit the wall and Greg launched. Greg reached as far forward as he could. The swimmer right was in the air at exactly the same time, and Greg could see him. It was an absolute picture perfect launch. Greg hit the water slightly ahead, his great launch wiping away any gap from the last leg. Greg went right into his powerful fly, missing nothing in the transition from launch to swim. Within seconds Greg was out in front, the fly swimmer to his right (down the pool, left back) was no comparison. The real competition was in lane seven, but that team was far down the order.

Greg hit the wall, flipped and was solidly back at it. Greg’s turn was good, but not great. His coach shook his head as he watched Greg slow at the wall. More work to do. As Greg swam hard on the second 25, a motion caught his eye. While he was worried about the swimmer on his left, he had not focused on the swimmer to his right, who was suddenly within his limited eyesight and moving fast. Greg could see his arms rotating the fly stroke. Greg throttled hard to pull forward, but the momentum of the fast paced swimmer was strong.

“S…,’ Greg thought. “He’s kicking me,” Greg felt the pains of hi inattention grip him. :How did I miss that,” he thought. The very same thought ran though his coach. The two swimmers now neck and neck.

“Show him your Wake,” Jimmy yelled. He was still out of his seat, but now yelling as loud as he could. He had no idea if it helped, but he sure hoped it did.

Greg pushed harder, and he held the lead, but only slightly. He needed a good turn, no slow down, no loss of time. He swam as hard and as fast as he could to the wall. He almost messed up his timing, nearly flipping too late. That would have been disaster. As fast as he came to the wall, Greg was over and back out. It was the slight break he needed, as the swimmer now on his left lost time, lots of it.

Last flip, Greg maintained the quality of his prior flip-turn. Greg has a knack for being able to perform well under pressure. The swimmer now on his right still had some gas left. He throttled, his tight print swimsuit flexing in the water as he pushed hard to catch Greg. He was half a body back, his eyes in line with Greg’s own tight and tiny team suit. Greg heard his strokes, but could not see him. Three quarters of a length to go. JP was screaming loudly. Craig was on the blocks, listening intently as his teammates told him where Greg was and what was going on. He dare not look and break his concentration. From behind, he looked amazing and cute in his swimsuit. Monique enjoyed the view.

It was a very close race as Greg came to the wall, but Greg had edged out the win Greg swam hard into the wall and heard Craig launch over him. Greg’s hand slammed the touchpad timer hard. He stood immediately, seeing the swimmer next to him finish. Craig was already well down the length of the pool. A solid lead. No other team was close.

Greg waited for the guy next to him to stand. He extended his hand. “Great swim” Greg said.

“Thanks, you kicked my a..,” the swimmer replied. “Name is Matthew,” he offered. The swimmers cleared the pool, leaping on deck. Both had spent all they had.

“Greg,” came the reply. The two guys gave each other a swimmers hug, the kind that looked a bit gay to the non-swimmers, two guys in skimpy suits embracing. It was the camaraderie of the sport, swimmer emotions high from a tough race. “Catch you around, Matthew,” Greg said as he turned to high five his team. They knew this one was locked up. He then looked over at Monique and blew her a kiss, he gave Jimmy a fist pump. Greg was physically drained, but he had enough adrenalin excitement to keep him going. Craig got a hero’s welcome.

Jimmy stood and applauded. His eyes filled with admiration. Greg really was the best swimmer ever.

---------

The day was done, and the team was now tied for first. It had been a great day for Greg. His swim in the team medley had caught the eye of coaches from Boston University and from South Carolina. He did not know that, yet, but he soon would. Alone in the locker room, he untied his swimsuit and slid it off. Greg was happy to get out of the tight and tiny swimsuit, his anatomy feeling the relief of being set free. He stood in the hot shower for a long time, just enjoying the feel of the water massaging his body.

Greg came out of the locker room in a clean and dry T-shirt and dry team nylon shorts, the same ones he wore earlier. This time, however, he chose not to go commando. His hair was wet, the shortness of it created a slightly spiked look. He looked tired, but he had a huge smile on his face, his eyes bright with pride. He knew it had been a great day. A few mess ups, but still a great day. He kicked butt, swimmers ate his wake.

His mom was first with a huge hug, followed down the line, the best hug saved for Monique. He picked Monique up and spun her in his arms. Despite his fatigue, he was still pumped up from the day, at least enough to want to hold the prettiest girl he knew. He gave Jimmy a guy hug, three pats on each other’s backs.

“Awesome day, Greg,” Jimmy said. “Wicked cool!”

“Thanks kid, big stuff tomorrow.” Greg replied. They paused and looked at each other. “Did you get to swim today?” Greg asked.

“No, but that’s okay.” Jimmy replied. “This was just as good.”

“You want to swim? I can’t join you, but I can watch for a bit, if you want.” Greg offered. “The pool is open to teams for the next hour, but you can see no one is going to use it.” Greg added.

Part 10 continued
 

Jimmy was so excited, he had never swam in a university pool. The idea of getting to swim in the same pool Greg had just swam in was totally cool in Jimmy’s mind. “You think I can?” Jimmy asked.

“Let’s go ask coach,” Greg said. “Come with me. I can lend you one of my swimsuits.”

“Got mine on already,” Jimmy said sheepishly, pulling the side of his shorts down slightly to reveal it to Greg. For some reason, Jimmy felt weird about having worn a swimsuit under his shorts.

“Too funny,” Greg replied. “Guess you are ready to swim.” Jimmy was warmed by Greg’s acceptance.

“I wore it for good luck for you,” Jimmy added with a smile. Greg wrapped his arm around his adopted brother. Greg was touched by Jimmy’s act.

Jimmy was only allowed to swim for a few laps, coach really wanted Greg to get to dinner and get back to the dorm and get some sleep. Jimmy was fine with even one lap, just the chance to swim in that pool, Greg’s pool. After a quick shower for Jimmy, the two guys stood at the edge of lane two.

“Okay, get one the block,” Greg said. “Four laps of free, flip turns and all, and I want you to launch like it is a real race. I’ll do the calls.”

Jimmy mounted the starting block, he looked as much a real swimmer as the guys in the meet. His red and white print swimsuit clinging to him from the wetness of the shower. He was actually nervous. He readied his position. Greg made a few adjustments in his stance. “Just perfecting your stance,” Greg said as he did it. “Step forward a bit, right to the edge of the block,” Greg asked.

“Like this?” Jimmy asked.

“Perfect,” Greg replied. Monique watched as the older Greg fussed over the younger Jimmy, who she did think looked stunning in his Speedo suit. Jimmy’s physique really had matured as a result of all his swimming. He was far from the skinny kid in blue Kmart swim shorts. Monique was not the only one watching. The coach was also standing back, observing, along with the coach from South Carolina (USA).

“Swimmers mark” Called Greg. He followed the next command a few seconds later and watched as Jimmy’s focus became intense. “Go!” came the last command. Monique secretly snapped cell phone pictures of the whole thing. She’d share them with the boys later.

Jimmy was off, it was by no means a picture perfect launch, but it was a good one for Jimmy. “Go Jimmy!” yelled Greg. It was a role reversal from just a few hours earlier. He watched as Jimmy made his way down the pool, a good flip turn and back up, Jimmy’s first lap was in just under 45 seconds. His second and third were the same, and his fourth was actually faster as he pushed the last twenty five, cutting almost two seconds off. Jimmy stood at the wall.

“That was fantastic,” Greg said. “You swam really well!”

“This is so cool,” Jimmy replied.

“Okay warm down lap, slow.” Greg directed.

In the locker room, changing out of the wet swimsuit into the dry one Greg tossed him, Jimmy was really pumped up. It had been such a cool treat to swim in the university pool. Jimmy gave Greg a big hug. “Thanks, Greg!” Jimmy said several times. For both guys, it was the end of a perfect swimming day.

Part 10
 

STS,

Another great chapter. Greg's team won the medley relay. Greg was able to give his team the lead after his leg enabling the anchor to win the race for them. After the meet finished for the day Jimmy got the opportunity to swim a few laps in the Boston University pool. Greg made it feel like Jimmy was in a actual race. Greg showed Jimmy the correct stance on the starting block. Unbeknownst to Greg his coach and the University of South Carolina swim coach were watching he and Jimmy. Maybe Greg will become a proud Gamecock swimmer.

As a aside South Carolina has a good division 1 swim program. They hold their own against the powerhouses like Florida and Auburn.

Part 10
 

STS,

What I like best about this chapter is the complete unselfishness of Greg when it comes to Jimmy. He has just swim a tough race that his team won, but rather than continue celebrating with his team, he searches out his family, Monique, and Jimmy. Obviously he gives Monique the biggest hug and kiss, but then focuses his attention on Jimmy and arranges for him to swim a few laps in a college pool, a first for Jimmy. Greg is portrayed so well by you as a solid, strong guy who has good values and unselfishly takes on the role of big brother to Jimmy, a kid who values hard work, but has very little life experience. You bring this out stronger in each chapter as the story continues to develop. Such good writing. Thanks for continuing on.

D67

Shaulis
 

USC (the east coast one) is an awesome team. They never recruited me when I was a young swimmer, but I always wanted them to. They would have been my number one choice, I think... but that phone never rang...lol. Got to swim against them a few times in non conference meets. I loved the name "Gamecocks" and thought they had the coolest team swimsuits back then. They were really good back then. Agree on FL and Auburn, too. Great teams, elite D1. Glad you like the story. Maybe we will see where Greg ends up.....

Ryan

Sts
 

I'm glad you took the time to comment. Everybody knows that the East Coast USC has a great football program but hardly anyone knows they have great swim programs too.

Gamecock swimmer
 

Shaulis,

What is a Gamecock swimmer?

D67

U of SC team name is the gamecocks. Such a unique name.

Dooley67(Mark),

STS is correct a Gamecock is the University of South Carolina team mascot.


Shaulis(Brian)

Thanks guys. A very "creative" name for a team I think.

Not as weird as the TCU Horned frogs (or toads)
How about the Fighting pickles at the NC school for the arts
http://www.oddee.com/item_96800.aspx

or the fighting Okra of Delta State

No school appears to have taken the Fighting Zuchinni,...yet

check out the TCU horned frogs swimming and diving!

http://www.gofrogs.com/sports/c-swim...swim-body.html

go horned frogs!

Speaking of odd names, when I was still working, my office was at one of the middle schools which had an intramural basketball program. The kids got to name their teams, and one team named themselves the Schmucks. I asked the PE teacher in charge if she knew what the word schmuck means. Not being Jewish, she didn't know that schmuck means penis. She was mortified and had the kids change their name to something else.

D67

a wider meaning...
 

Originally 'treasure' or 'jewel' it is also the discarded tissue from circumcision.
More commonly heard as an unflattering opinion: "what a schmuck !" - ie "what a prick!".

Another fine chapter, full of excitement (the race) and big-brotherly affection between Greg and Jimmy. And yes, SC has had a great swim program for quite a few years. And I love the hats and tee-shirts you sometimes see from that school, with the Gamecock name shortened to just 'Cocks'. That always brings a smile to my face. Of course, I doubt the men's swim team will ever wear suits with the word 'Cocks' printed right on the front, lol.....

Swimmboy,
The swim team may not wear a suit like that but if the University thought they could make money from selling it to the public I'm sure they would consider it.

quite likely...
 

....but not in Singapore - remember all the fuss about the new design of the team speedos in red and white and inappropriately taking part of the national flag to the front?

Part 11
 

Paul and Jimmy walked over to the Boston Sports Club on Boylston Street, just a few blocks from the Marathon finish line. It was a short walk from the Marriott at Copley and Paul knew they had a lap pool. Paul paid the one day fee for both Jimmy and him. The two guys got a solid hour in the pool together, shorter than what Jimmy usually swam, but long enough for Paul. Jimmy was happy to just get some swim time. Paul watched as Jimmy did his laps. The kid was pretty good, not nearly at the level of Paul’s own son when he was Jimmy’s age, but certainly very good for a swimmer who just started a couple months ago.

“You want to change and do some weights?” Paul asked.

“Never done those before, Sir,” Jimmy replied.

Paul smiled at Jimmy. “Jimmy, please stop calling me Sir, you make me feel old,” Paul replied.

“Sorry,” Jimmy answered.

The two guys got out of the pool, Paul up the ladder, Jimmy showed off his Greg inspired one handed leap. Paul had on a black Speedo square cut, which fit his older body well. He was in great shape, a tiny bit of excess weight around his waist, but very slight. Jimmy had on a Nike swim brief that Greg had bought him at the swim shop, it was a blue print. It fit his body tight, and he looked fantastic in it. Jimmy was even showing the signs of real abs, not yet all six, but two for sure and two more emerging.

In the locker room, Jimmy swapped his swimsuit for the blue swim shorts he had from his early swimming days. They would have to double as workout shorts. Paul pulled on a long legged pair of Reebok shorts. For the next thirty minutes the two guys did a circuit on six different machines. It was the first time Jimmy had ever tried any type of weight workout. It was harder than he thought, and he was weaker than he expected.

“This will really help your swimming,” Paul explained. “We’ll take it slow today, but maybe you can start including some weight work in your swim practice.” By the time they were done, Jimmy’s arms felt like lead weights.

On the way back to the hotel they ventured past the marathon finish line. It was still very early, the streets and roads were clear. Jimmy walked out and stood on the wide painted “Boston Marathon Finish” emblazoned across Boylston. One day he would cross that line for real, but at that moment he had no idea what the future would hold.

-------

The final event of the big meet was the Individual Medley (IM). This was Greg’s showcase event. To this point he had a great meet, winning all but one of his events. He was ready, pumped up, and as well trained as he had ever been. A good show here and the scholarship offers would likely pour in. Even a bad show would not preclude him from some offers, but the big programs would surely walk. Greg knew the pressure was on to show well. Win outright was a seal the deal result. Second would also likely keep the big looks at the table. Anything less and South Carolina or any of the ACC and Big East schools were out.

Greg changed into a tried and true team race suit for the big event. He had athlete superstitions and in his biggest races he always wore only his most favorite suits. The one he wore today was a really sweet print team swim brief that was a bold blend of blue and green colors. It was a custom suit made by Agon. He had only worn it twice before, and won both times. It felt great on, and looked far better than it felt. He walked to the pool with a mix of confidence and cockiness that could only come from an internal self assurance that he was about to fill the pool with his wake. He looked over at his fan base and smiled. A tense smile, but still a smile. “He feels good,” said Greg’s mom.

“Yeah, he looks confident,” Paul added. Greg’s dad sat silent, biting his nails, literally and figuratively.

Jimmy waved their traditional single hand gesture. Greg gave Jimmy a thumbs up. Greg was ready, so was Jimmy.

Monique snapped a cell picture. She thought Greg looked so cute, so handsome, so athletic hard. She blew him the kiss first this time. Greg blushed and blew one back. Despite the tension he was feeling, he certainly was confident and in good spirits. Coach came up to Greg and wrapped his arm around his shoulders. “Just swim your race,” Coach said. “It’s just another day at the pool, okay?”

“Yeah, coach,” Greg replied. “I’m fine, really.” He was not quite as convincing as his outward appearance. His voice almost cracked from the nervousness. He as also rubbing his crotch every few seconds, a sure sign he was edgy. Monique picked up on that.

Just before the swimmers were called to the blocks, Greg checked his strings again. They were tied tight, double knotted. He might never get the swimsuit back off, but it was also not coming untied in the pool. He mounted the block, took his position and readied himself. One last crotch grab, as he placed his hands in race ready position. Jimmy watched intently as Greg edged right to the front of the block, exactly what he had Jimmy do last night. Jimmy played himself on the blocks in his mind. The line up of tight swimsuit clad, incredibly hot swimmers teased Monique. Eight of them all in a row. As swimmers go, the IM swimmers are all very muscular specimens of the male body. This race was no exception. For Monique, Greg was the hottest guy on the line. And he had the cutest swimsuit, with the best bulge.

The horn was loud, and the swimmers were off. Greg nailed the launch and glided into the water in perfect form. He was about to swim the best race of his career so far. Jimmy was going crazy with excitement. There was no louder fan in the whole pool. By the time it was over, Greg nailed it. In fact, he swam so well, he practically had the race sealed up before the final segment even started. He beat his old best time by almost three seconds.

Jimmy was right, Greg was the best swimmer ever. Both guys had an awesome weekend, Greg swam his most important meet ever, and he made them truly eat wake. Jimmy was even more inspired than ever. Monique was more in love.

________


The call came pretty late at night. It was the third call since the meet. On Tuesday night at about 9 PM. Greg was laying on his bed face-time chatting Monique. He was in one of his most favorite Speedo brand swimsuits, just enjoying the interaction with Monique, which was becoming a little steamy as the two talked romantically to each other. He had just showed her a body shot of himself laying there on the bed in just his swimsuit, from his neck down, every rise of his body displayed on her iPhone screen. His suit was fitting tight as his body responded to her voice and his desires.

“I gotta take this,” Greg said, cutting off their romantic conversation. The caller ID said USC Athletics. He quickly answered the call, putting the phone on speaker as he flicked the answer option. “Greg here,” he answered.

How he contained himself is a blur. Greg hardly remembered the exact details of the call, except that the caller was the swimming coach from USC. He said really liked Greg’s swimming ability, thought he’d be a great addition to their team, was sure that he was being looked at by lots of great programs, and hoped he’d come down to Columbia, South Carolina and visit the school. It was all a blur, it happened so fast. Greg remembers saying he loved the Gamecocks, and really was hoping they’d call him. As soon as the call was over, Greg jumped from the bed, never gave a thought that he was wearing nothing more than his swimsuit. Greg ran from his guest bedroom into the kitchen where Paul and Buffy were having a quiet glass of wine.

“I’m going to USC!” Greg blurted. “This is so cool!” He grabbed Buffy and hugged her. Right before them stood a nearly naked Greg, clearly full of excitement.

“Greg, calm down,” said Paul. “Deep breaths, what happened?”

Greg sat down, bare-chested, clothed in just his swimsuit. He started to explain the whole call. Paul and Buffy never batted an eye at the near naked teen age boy who was so animated he was about to jump out of his skin. They had seen it before with their own son. Greg filled them in on all he knew, all he cold recall, which was about half of what got discussed. The key words were scholarship, swimming, USC and Gamecocks, It was by far the biggest program that had reached out, so far. To be sure, the five other interested programs were really great, but for crying out loud, this was USC!

“You need to call your parents,” Buffy said. “This is big news.” She was as proud of Greg as she was when her won son got his call from Dartmouth several years earlier. By the time it was all done, Greg was going to spend two days in Columbia the week after he got back home to Connecticut. He’d get to meet the coaches, swim in the university aquatics center, and meet some of the team. If all went well, they would like him to sign a letter of intent right there. The whole family was invited, especially his mom and dad. It would be the fourth on campus visit he had lined up between the end of Summer swim and the start of his senior year.

Part 11 continued
 

Jimmy laid in the sun with Abby in her backyard and told her all the details of the swim meet. Jimmy had rode to her house after his swim workout, wearing his swimsuit and a short sleeve T-shirt. Abby had on a one piece swimsuit, a Nike brand suit that tightly outlined her body. She was quite attractive. They were laying out on a big blanked next to the backyard pool, holding hands. As Jimmy talked, he was becoming more and more wound up with excitement. He described in great detail every race. He even told her about his own swim in the pool after the first day of the meet.

“What swimsuit did you wear?” Abby asked as her eyes looked at his mid-section and the tight fitting suit he was wearing. She loved how he looked.

“The one I have on now,” Jimmy replied, pointing to his swirl blue print Speedo swimsuit.

“I like your swimsuits,” Abby replied. “I bet Greg looked hot in his swimsuit, too” she added.

“Yeah, he’s a really great swimmer,” Jimmy replied.

Jimmy had little experience with girls, so when she leaned over and kissed him, it took him by surprise. Her hands explored his chest as she kissed him again. He felt himself quickly responding to her. The two spent several minutes kissing and rubbing each other, until Jimmy had to roll over on his stomach, his swimsuit clinging tightly to his stimulated male anatomy. Abby rubbed his back as Jimmy laid on his stomach.

“You’re cute,” She whispered, her hands exploring down his back and across the back side of his swimsuit. Jimmy had never had this experience before, being aroused in front of and by a girl, especially not in such a tight and tiny swimsuit.

Jimmy stayed on his stomach for several minutes, enjoying the attention, but also contemplating his options. He was young and experiencing new feelings and new urges. His swimsuit was now very tight, an he knew it would show everything. Not sure what to do, he mustered the courage to change the situation. “Let’s go in the pool,” he finally suggested as he rolled back over and quickly stood. His suit was bulging prominently as he stood, Abby taking notice. He covered himself as much as he could with his hands and did three quick leaps to the pool, jumping in the water. Abby followed. They never went any further with their intimate activity, the cool water easing Jimmy’s situation.

-----

It was the final day of Summer swimming for Greg. It was a short practice, mostly to let the team have fun, wind down and say their goodbyes. Greg and the other guys on the team smiled at the cadre of girls lining the pool fence, checking the guys out in their tiny swimsuits. They even gave them a little show, a line dance of sorts, somewhat along the line of the Rockettes. Twelve handsome, swimsuit clad guys moving left and right with a kick at each end. It wasn’t really clear who liked it more, the girls or the guys. Everyone seemed to enjoy it.

Jimmy rode his bike to the pool, sadness in his heart as he thought about the reality that this was the end of Greg’s coaching. He got to the pool just in time to watch the last fifteen minutes of the swim team playing inner tube water polo. Jimmy stood along the bleachers and watched as the team went at each other, guys versus girls. Greg played goalie at the far end. Jimmy smiled when he saw Greg. Greg gave Jimmy an air high five. The guys goal was in the deep end, which meant Greg had to tread water the whole time.

At noon, coach blew the whistle and motioned the team in. The swimmers all climbed out of the pool and stood in the warm sunshine. It was a perfect New England (USA) day, a few puffy clouds scattered across a mostly blue sky, a warm sun and temperatures in the upper 70’s. A gentle breeze blew out of the west. Jimmy watched as Greg walked over to the pavilion where the coach gathered the team. All the swimmers huddled close in. Some of the guys and girls who had started romances stood holding hands. Greg stood alone, next to two other guys. Jimmy knew this was his last time watching this. It was sad, very sad.

Jimmy had worn the very first swimsuit Greg ever gave him. As it was turning out, Jimmy was a very nostalgic young man. He actually took time to think about things like what a swimsuit meant to him. He hoped Greg would notice. Jimmy walked slowly to his usual lane two, placed his drill gear at the top of the lane, along with his refilled water bottle. He jumped in, assembled his stuff in the order he would use it, placed a plastic bag flat on the top of his kickboard, inside a sheet outlined his workout. He listed as the coach talked to the team. Finally, Jimmy pushed off the all. Today he would go long before he got into the drills. Just two weeks left before school started and swim team tryouts were shortly after that.

It wasn't Jimmy’s best swim. Too much on his mind. He had so much he wanted to talk to Greg about. There was swimming, of course, but he also had questions about the whole thing with Abby. Jimmy wondered if Greg would want to stop by, or was he just ready to move on. As Jimmy swam his laps, he watched as the team finished up the huddle and broke off to their respective lockers. There were lots of hugs. Jimmy kept swimming, trying to take his mind off all the distractions. “Focus on swimming,” Jimmy told himself.

Greg walked past the top of the lane and into the locker. Not a stop, not even a wave.

What a great story. I hope that the two of them will have a chance to say goodbye.