My heart pounds harder than it has ever pounded before. The initial feelings of nervousness and excitement are momentarily forgotten with the intoxicating smell of chlorine. As each ear-piercing whistle is heard, the biggest moment of my swimming career is approaching. Among all the high school swimmers who made it to the PIAA Swimming and Diving State Championships at Bucknell University, I try to relax and calm my emotions, but I have been waiting for this moment my entire life. The announcer blasts through the crowd of excited parents and high adrenergic athletes, “Next up, 400 free relay.” Knowing that this might be a once in a lifetime experience, I pause to savor the moment. It is almost time to go. Our relay team steps up to the blocks
