Above The Water: Perspectives From The Stands

Photo Courtesy: Taylor Brien

Swimming World is producing the live webcast of the 2016 CeraVe Invitational on the campus of Rutgers University. Click here to watch the live stream, view video interviews and watch races on demand!

Commentary by Era Atre, Swimming World Intern 2016 CeraVe Invitational

The splashing of water on decks. Swimmers hopping in and out of the pool, warming up and prepping for the long evening ahead. Last-minute reminders, snacks, and breaststrokes until the cue comes, “take your mark”. Being the only one not in the water in an all-swimmer family, I have gotten to see all of these things many times from the outside. But as I came to learn tonight, there is more to swimming than just going from one end of the pool to the other, and that those three words that kick off a much-anticipated event are more than just a cue.

The 2016 BAC CeraVe Invitational, taking place from January 8th-10th at Rutgers University in Piscataway, NJ, brings together the top swim clubs and the best competitors from all over for a weekend of competition and fun. Tonight the finals began with the women’s 800 Meter Freestyle, and immediately the atmosphere filled with excitement. Parents yelling out encouragement, teammates cheering, and coaches watching from the sidelines, giving each swimmer their support. The mood became more intense, more ecstatic, and competitive. The swimmers showed off their talent and raced to meet their desired times.

“It [freestyle] is my favorite,” said a younger swimmer when asked about her favorite stroke. “You get to swim as fast as you possibly can and that’s what makes it so fun.”

“Meets are fun because you get to try to beat yourself in events, more than just trying to beat other people. That and being able to cheer on my friends when they do relays,” commented another swimmer.

From men’s and women’s freestyle to 100 backstroke and 200 IM, there was a wide range of heats and events that showcased the talents of every swimmer tonight, raising the bars and fueling even more competition.

However, there is definitely more to this competition than just competition. “Getting to be with my friends and cheer on others is definitely one of the best parts”, a swimmer from North Baltimore Aquatics Club tells me. “Having a whole weekend for more than just swimming is what makes me really feel part of a team”

“To me, ‘take your mark’ means excitement and concentration, and that I can achieve my goals no matter what. I always look forward to that at meets,” noted another.

Swim meets, as I have learned, are more than just about gold and silver times, or who came first in relays. Today I truly got to see not only what competing really meant but how it touched the lives of those competing as well. An exciting first day, filled not only with backstrokes and butterflies but with bonding and hanging out with friends and family, bringing teams closer together, and ultimately a great start to what will be a great weekend.

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