25th Charlotte Ultra Swim
Swimming has always been a huge part of my
life in some way. Even before I became a competitive swimmer at the age of 10, my parents had the hardest time keeping me out of the water from the moment I was born. And after I left the world of competition, I continued to swim on my own and I became an avid diver, snorkeler, and surfer.
So, when I found out that my old swim team, MAC, was having an alumni party last weekend at the Charlotte Ultra Swim in honor of its 25th Anniversary, I jumped at the opportunity to attend. I was really excited to reconnect with my former coach and because MAC was sponsoring the meet, they had 10 free passes to share with the alumni (tickets started at over $100!). I actually swam in this meet several of times at the hight of my swimming career as well.
I brought along my bestie, Adrienne, who also happened to be an ex-competitive swimmer. Sadly, we were in such a hurry to make it in time that we both forgot to bring our camera's. We did, however, have our phones which had camera's, but the pictures are of very poor quality.
As I walked over to the MAC tent in front of the Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center, I was greeted by Patty, my former coach. It had almost been a decade since I had last seen her and I was surprised that she instantly recognized me. My relationship with Patty was definitely a love-hate one. I remember many a times that she would throw pull-buoys or kick boards in the water at 6AM when we would slack at practice or when she would secretly enter me in the 200 butterfly or mile (my 2 worst events) at a meet to teach me a lesson. Nonetheless, she was my biggest supporter and her expertise in coaching led me to be #1 in the state at the 50 free when I was 13. Ultimately, I adore her and it was an absolute delight to see her again. She did try to convince me to join the Master's Team, except waking up every morning at 4:30AM is simply impossible for me. Those days are long, long, long gone.
Me and Patty's joyful reunion!
Adrienne and I could not have arrived at a more perfect time, because about 5 minutes later 2 people whom had been inside the natatorium decided to leave. Why, I have no clue? Because they missed the most exciting events of the 4 day meet. Oh well, their loss, our awesome gain!
Me with a coveted ticket.
I could not believe our luck when we were led to our seats. They were no doubt the best, as we were literally behind lane 1, which was also next to the medaling area.
I think I was both excited to see some Olympians AND on a chlorine high!
The 1st event that we got to see was the 50 free, otherwise known as the 'Splash and Dash.' This was my baby when I competed. I loved that in this race every single second counted. You had to be built for speed to succeed. Plus, it is by far the sexiest event!
As the women raced, I experienced a little pain of nostalgia and I thought, "Maybe I should join the Master's Team after all?" Then I remembered I would have to jump into ice cold water while it was still dark outside every.single.morning and the pain quickly disappeared.
Women's 50 free final.
Men's 50 free final. Cullen Jones, 2nd to the right, is an '08 Olympian and
fellow MAC alumni! He ended up placing 2nd.
After the 50 free, the huge showdown between Michael Phelps, Ryan Lochte, and Aaron Peirsol in the 100 backstroke was up. All 3 men are '08 Olympians and superstars. Peirsol is the world and American record holder, but Phelps and Lochte have been trying to take those honors away from him for years. My alliance belongs with Peirsol. He is an incredibly kind person and we share the same Birthday (not to mention he is lovely to look at)!
Men's 100 backstroke final. The showdown about to begin, go Peirsol!
The race was extremely close the entire 100 meters. And the results were...
Peirsol won by .4 of a second!!! Phelps was 2nd and Lochte was 4th.
Here is what took place after the race:
Phelps walking to the medaling area. He was visibly disappointed.
Phelps receiving his silver medal by the fantastic Olympian Mel Stewart. Mel
at 1st gave him the gold medal by accident, haha.
The 3 medalists posing for pictures.
Phelps surrounded by the press.
All in all it was a terrific experience to be less than 2 feet away from some of the greatest swimmers in the history of humankind. Thanks so much MAC for a once-in-a-lifetime night!
So, when I found out that my old swim team, MAC, was having an alumni party last weekend at the Charlotte Ultra Swim in honor of its 25th Anniversary, I jumped at the opportunity to attend. I was really excited to reconnect with my former coach and because MAC was sponsoring the meet, they had 10 free passes to share with the alumni (tickets started at over $100!). I actually swam in this meet several of times at the hight of my swimming career as well.
I brought along my bestie, Adrienne, who also happened to be an ex-competitive swimmer. Sadly, we were in such a hurry to make it in time that we both forgot to bring our camera's. We did, however, have our phones which had camera's, but the pictures are of very poor quality.
As I walked over to the MAC tent in front of the Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center, I was greeted by Patty, my former coach. It had almost been a decade since I had last seen her and I was surprised that she instantly recognized me. My relationship with Patty was definitely a love-hate one. I remember many a times that she would throw pull-buoys or kick boards in the water at 6AM when we would slack at practice or when she would secretly enter me in the 200 butterfly or mile (my 2 worst events) at a meet to teach me a lesson. Nonetheless, she was my biggest supporter and her expertise in coaching led me to be #1 in the state at the 50 free when I was 13. Ultimately, I adore her and it was an absolute delight to see her again. She did try to convince me to join the Master's Team, except waking up every morning at 4:30AM is simply impossible for me. Those days are long, long, long gone.
Me and Patty's joyful reunion!
Adrienne and I could not have arrived at a more perfect time, because about 5 minutes later 2 people whom had been inside the natatorium decided to leave. Why, I have no clue? Because they missed the most exciting events of the 4 day meet. Oh well, their loss, our awesome gain!
Me with a coveted ticket.
I could not believe our luck when we were led to our seats. They were no doubt the best, as we were literally behind lane 1, which was also next to the medaling area.
I think I was both excited to see some Olympians AND on a chlorine high!
The 1st event that we got to see was the 50 free, otherwise known as the 'Splash and Dash.' This was my baby when I competed. I loved that in this race every single second counted. You had to be built for speed to succeed. Plus, it is by far the sexiest event!
As the women raced, I experienced a little pain of nostalgia and I thought, "Maybe I should join the Master's Team after all?" Then I remembered I would have to jump into ice cold water while it was still dark outside every.single.morning and the pain quickly disappeared.
Women's 50 free final.
Men's 50 free final. Cullen Jones, 2nd to the right, is an '08 Olympian and
fellow MAC alumni! He ended up placing 2nd.
After the 50 free, the huge showdown between Michael Phelps, Ryan Lochte, and Aaron Peirsol in the 100 backstroke was up. All 3 men are '08 Olympians and superstars. Peirsol is the world and American record holder, but Phelps and Lochte have been trying to take those honors away from him for years. My alliance belongs with Peirsol. He is an incredibly kind person and we share the same Birthday (not to mention he is lovely to look at)!
Men's 100 backstroke final. The showdown about to begin, go Peirsol!
The race was extremely close the entire 100 meters. And the results were...
Peirsol won by .4 of a second!!! Phelps was 2nd and Lochte was 4th.
Here is what took place after the race:
Phelps walking to the medaling area. He was visibly disappointed.
Phelps receiving his silver medal by the fantastic Olympian Mel Stewart. Mel
at 1st gave him the gold medal by accident, haha.
The 3 medalists posing for pictures.
Phelps surrounded by the press.
All in all it was a terrific experience to be less than 2 feet away from some of the greatest swimmers in the history of humankind. Thanks so much MAC for a once-in-a-lifetime night!
I would love to have a reunion with some of my old team, but as an Army brat that would have been a lot of teams. All the teams were on the East Coast and I definitely remember ice cold water at 6:00 a.m.! Whenever I see swimming now I marvel at the difference in the swimsuits. Back in the day when I swam the guys wore pantyhose under their speedos!
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