Whether you are a like a fish in water or a fish out of water, swimming sports is still the place for you. A couple of weeks ago we had our annual swimming sports where all the top swimmers showed us what they are made of. 

There was some great competition of course, and everyone swam wonderfully. However I’m not here today to talk about those awesome swimmers that we all saw and loved. I’m going to share with you those experiences from those of us who weren't gifted with the swimmers’ gene. I will admit that I am not much of a swimmer myself but I can say that each year swimming sports is one of the events I look forward to the most. It doesn’t matter if you’re not the fastest in the bunch as I easily came a steady last in many of my races but it was about being there and giving it my best which really mattered. The novelty events was where you could say us non-swimmers shone.

This year there was so many girls participating in many if not all of the novelty events offered from the fancy dress to the charity race. These are my personal favourite events as you are basically laughing the entire time which shows how fun it must be, or you’re yelling at your team to hurry up if you’ve got the competitive bone in you! There is also the non-competitive swimming races that are only 50m. Once again the number of girls showing up to these races eager to give it a go was impressive. This year Juniors and seniors seemed to have a great time with the most seniors choosing to be there in many years. I asked few Year 9 girls’ what they thought of their first swimming sports experience and they all said “It was really fun” with another girl saying “I can’t wait until next year”. I’ve also had comments from Year 11’s such as “It’s cool how there are races for the serious swimmers and also for the non-serious”. I feel as though the participation of our girls at swimming sports is on the increase and I would love it if in a few years the ‘optional’ part for seniors resulted in  all seniors going along and having a great time. You don’t know what you’re missing out on until it’s no longer an ‘option’ for you. So don’t make it an option, and head along for some laughs. Many year 13’s went this year for the first time since Year 10 and they reported back with comments like “Why did I not go in Year 11 and 12, it was so fun”. Then from those of us who have been to a swimming sports since Year 9, whether we are a fish in water or like a fish out of water we honestly all agree that we will miss our Otago Girls’ swimming sport days’.

Over and Out,

Eliza.