Like every other child, I knew that I could not achieve a dream of representing Singapore. I also knew that I could not win any competition.
It was a months back when I started to learn how to swim. Now, I only know some of the basics of swimming -Butterfly stroke, Backstroke, Breastroke, Sidestroke and Freestyle stroke.
"Freestyle-Stroke Swimming competition? I do not stand a chance of winning it! I am only a beginner!" I responded when she wanted me to take part in a swimming competition.I tried to change my mom's decision but still she never changed them. Choiceless, I moaned.
The day of the competition arrived. With the loads of homework my school teachers had given, I could not go to the swimming pool to practice! How was I going to win? All sorts of questions circulated around my head but no solutions for them. Fear wrapped me and my mother knew it as she realized that I was quivering when she asked me how I felt I just responded simply by saying "ok". She sent me without asking whether I was afraid but later realized why.
On my way to the swimming pool where the competition was held at, I felt a vibration in my right pocket. My phone, which was in it, showed a WhatsApp message and it was none other than my mother. "I hope you follow my motto- It's not about winning, it's about having fun in whatever you do. In the end, you should not give up until you are contented with what you have done!" Motivated, I walked briskly, now more confident and sure of myself.
Now, after wearing my swimsuit, I stood at the start line, and when the gunshot was heard, I lunged forward like a shark chasing its prey. I closed my eyes and started to do butterfly stroke. With my incessant and mad hand movements, the swishing of the other competitors' hand movements seemed to move farther away and a wave of loud cheers hit me. At the same time, I stopped moving and opened my eyes as I was tired and wanted to see if I lost.
I was close to the finish line so much so that my stomach touched it! I was the first winner! Appalled by my victory, I stood there, mouth wide open, while the spectators cheered for me.
