[SwimTeamSpeedo]

Jimmy was fast off the blocks, and like his breast event, he landed farther up the pool than anyone. He hit the water and immediately got into his rhythm. It took all his concentration to swim the fly, the timing of arms and kick, the physical demands on the body absorbing every ounce of his concentration. His arm strokes were powerful. His technique was not merely good, it was fantastic, and quickly noted by the coach who had been watching him.

“Hey, come watch this swimmer,” she called to the head coach. “He’s really strong at this.”

“I am not surprised,” said the head coach, a reference to his mentorship by Greg. They both watched as Jimmy finished the first 25. His flip this time was a bit off, but not horrible. He was slightly ahead heading into the turn, and despite the muddled turn, his strong off the wall push held his place. On the way back, Jimmy pulled out all the stops. He accelerated down the last 50, pushing an even greater lead. A power came over Jimmy like he had never felt before. He was one with the water, his arm strokes in exact timing, almost as graceful as a synchronized swimmer. His kicks were powerful, his feet molded together to create a thrust that was well above his experience level. Randy was two spots back, eating Jimmy’s wake. Aiden was behind Randy. No one was in front.

“Amazing fly,” wrote the coach with three lines under it. “Solid.”

Jimmy hit the wall and pushed backward. He floated on his back for about ten meters, breathless. He stood and watched as Randy, then Aiden finished. It had not hit Jimmy what he had just done. He won the heat!

Randy dunked under the lane line and grabbed Jimmy. “You kicked butt,” he said as he gave Jimmy a tight hug. Their bodies touched at all points, including the middle bulges. “You were amazing!” Jimmy was in total disbelief on what he had just swam He could not have dreamed he’d swim that well. The swimmers around him were shocked, some mad, some jealous. Everyone was amazed. Jimmy was too whipped to do his usual leap from the pool, instead opting for the two handed lift.

“What got into you?” Randy asked. “I mean you swam like a mad man.”

“I just felt good,” Jimmy replied. The guys sat again, side by side, watching the guys in heat two line up.

Randy put his hand on Jimmy’s knee. “I think you might have secured a spot on the team with that swim,” he added to the conversation. He looked at Jimmy, admiring his handsome face and smile. His eyes wandered to check out Jimmy’s swimsuit. “Wow, is he ever cute,” Randy thought to himself. If he wasn’t so tired from the swims, Randy’s body would long have responded to the interest. Randy was glad it didn’t.

When all of it was over, Jimmy ended up in third place. A solid finish and only half a second between the top finisher and him. What Jimmy did not see was the coach’s comments. It was clear that Jimmy had the best technique and the most promise. Had he not bungled to flip turn, he easily would have been the top swimmer of the fly. It was just the break Jimmy needed, if he had any hope of making the team.