Race lost, lesson learned

It’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how you play the game.” These are words of advice and encouragement from a wise coach. For the past seven years, my father has been my swim coach. I have heard these words time and time again, but that wasn’t enough to console me after I lost the biggest race of my life.

I didn’t lose the race to anyone specifically, but I let myself down, which proved to be the biggest hurt of all. Last spring, I qualified for the Speedo Championships Series, which is a national-level meet held at regional locations across the United States. As physically prepared as possible, I was mentally disrupted when I saw the most decorated female swimmer in U.S. history stretching next to me. I was going to be racing her!

My Dad urged me to talk to her, but I was too nervous. As expected, she won the event. Unexpectedly, I swam as if I had a brick in my suit! I remember being so angry and upset with the world, my father and myself. I couldn’t understand why I had performed poorly. I had had faith and trust in my abilities that I was going to swim a best time. However, I did just the opposite, and my teenage hormones were not ready to deal with the outcome.

After that race, I wanted to crawl into a hole and escape the world. If my friends and family had allowed, I would have cried for weeks. As I reflect back on my experience, I am grateful for it. I have learned to channel my energy in a more positive view and manner.

I now understand that it was only one race. And although it wasn’t my best one, I did receive the honor of USA Swimming Scholastic All-American. I should be proud of my accomplishments.

Despite my stinky race, a lot of good has resulted from it. I have learned many things from my swimming experiences, including the values of hard work and commitment. However, more importantly, I have learned to better balance my life. This year, I decided to take time off from the swimming world. With that time, I remained active in my community through service and in my school through extracurricular activities, including other sports. Although I have branched out, I will always remember my roots. Swimming has taught me many things about life. It has taught me pride, poise and commitment. It has pushed me beyond my physical and mental limits. This awesome sport has even given me my greatest friends. Through swimming, I have learned how to shoot for the moon, but to land upon the stars. From my experiences, I have learned to leave the past alone because it cannot be changed, and to instead look to the future. No regrets!

If I do not succeed as well as expected in my future, I understand that life has a bigger and better plan for me. I have also learned that if I want something, I must work for it. And though swimming continues to play an important role in my life, I learned that it does not define who I am, and that is the greatest lesson yet.

Emily Ciraolo, a 17-year-old senior at Holy Angels Academy in Buffalo, won $100 for this article! She is vice president of student council, in National Honor Society, a Buffalo Bills Student Leader and captain of the varsity swimming and tennis teams.

Article provided by