By Ira Ghosh Nayak
I walk into the arena bursting with crowds
My heart beats faster as the cheers grow loud
The sharp smell of chlorine enters my nose
I shift my weight nervously on my toes
My flip-flops squeak on the wet floor
The announcements go faint when the crowds roar
The seconds pass, and my event is called out
I walk to the pool, my head filled with doubts
The shrill sound of the whistle fills my ears
I climb onto the dive block, pushing away my fears
The crack of the pistol gets me going
My streamline glides through the water that’s flowing
I sense the other swimmers struggling to get past
My body cuts through the water ever so fast
The bright yellow touchpad comes into sight
I push faster with all my might
My hand collides with the rough pool wall
Winning first place and beating them all
Proud that I managed to win the race
I acknowledge the crowd with a smile on my face