Epic Reaction to My Record-Breaking 200 I.M. Swim!
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Understanding the 200 IM in Paralympic Swimming
- Classification in Paralympic Swimming
- Taylor's Journey and Classification
- The Goal: Winning Gold and Achieving the Bonus Cut
- The Excitement of Racing in Chile
- The Mental Preparation and Mindset
- The Race Begins: Butterfly, Taylor's Best Stroke
- Challenges and Technique in Backstroke
- Overcoming Obstacles in Breaststroke
- Navigating the Last Leg: Freestyle
- Celebrating Victory and Teammates
- Reflecting on the Race and Improvements
- Conclusion
Article
Introduction
Hey guys, it's Taylor Winette! I am super excited to share with You a reaction video of my 200 IM race at the Parapan American Games in Santiago, Chile, which took place just a week and a half ago. This race holds a special place in my heart as it was my first gold medal and one of the most enjoyable races I have ever competed in. In this article, I will take you through the race and share my thoughts, struggles, and triumphs along the way. So, let's dive in!
Understanding the 200 IM in Paralympic Swimming
To fully appreciate my performance in the 200 IM, it's important to understand what this race entails. The 200 IM, or individual medley, is a race in which swimmers cover one lap of each stroke in the following order: butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle. Each stroke presents its unique challenges, requiring swimmers to excel in multiple disciplines of swimming. As a classified athlete in Paralympic swimming, I compete in the SM10 category, reserved for athletes with mild physical disabilities. This includes individuals like myself who have experienced spinal cord injuries, such as a broken back, resulting in leg weakness. It's important to note the diverse range of disabilities within my classification, including missing limbs, cerebral palsy, and nerve damage, among others.
Taylor's Journey and Classification
Let me share a bit of my journey and how I fit into the SM10 classification. After a life-altering spinal cord injury, I found solace and passion in swimming. Over time, I developed the skills necessary to compete at a high level, eventually earning my classification as an SM10 swimmer. This classification signifies my mild disability and allows me to compete against athletes with similar physical abilities. Being a part of the SM10 category has connected me with inspiring individuals who face similar physical challenges, creating a Sense of camaraderie and support within the Paralympic swimming community.
The Goal: Winning Gold and Achieving the Bonus Cut
As I prepared for the race in Chile, my main goal was to win the gold medal. Additionally, I aimed to achieve a time of 2:45, which would qualify me for the bonus cut for the Paris Paralympic Games in my classification. This bonus cut serves as a marker of excellence and would be a significant milestone in my swimming career. Motivated by these goals, I was determined to give my all in the race and leave everything in the pool.
The Excitement of Racing in Chile
Before delving into the race itself, I must express the sheer exhilaration of competing in Chile. The atmosphere was electric as the crowd cheered for us. Stepping onto the pool deck, I imagined that every person in the audience was eagerly rooting for me. This mindset fueled my confidence and excitement, transforming any nerves into positive energy. I reminded myself that the spectators had traveled and paid to witness our races, and I wanted to give them a Memorable performance that showcased the spirit of Paralympic swimming.
The Mental Preparation and Mindset
For any professional athlete, mental preparation is crucial. As I walked out onto the deck, I harnessed the power of positive thinking. I imagined the crowd's enthusiasm propelling me forward and their unwavering support pushing me to succeed. Instead of feeling nervous, I allowed the cheers to fill me with excitement, encouragement, and reassurance. This mental shift helped me Channel focused energy and maintain a positive mindset throughout the race.
The Race Begins: Butterfly, Taylor's Best Stroke
As the race began, I dove into the pool, ready to tackle the butterfly stroke, which is my strongest discipline. The butterfly leg of the 200 IM is crucial, setting the tone for the rest of the race. I knew I had to push myself to the limit from the start. In this race, my first 50m butterfly split turned out to be the fastest I had ever swum since becoming disabled. I even broke the American Record! The excitement and Adrenaline surged through me as I propelled myself through the Water, striving to Create a lead that I could carry into the next strokes.
Challenges and Technique in Backstroke
The backstroke segment presented unique challenges for me. Due to the nature of my disability, my backstroke technique appeared slightly bouncy. My lower legs lacked control, causing my knees to break the water surface. This compromise in technique was due to my drop foot and limited ankle flexibility. While it served as a hindrance, I have been working diligently to improve my backstroke by focusing on strengthening my lower body and refining my stroke mechanics. Despite these hurdles, I swam with determination, keeping my sights on the race ahead.
Overcoming Obstacles in Breaststroke
Breaststroke has always been my weakest stroke, presenting its fair share of obstacles. With limited ankle mobility, I struggle to flex my feet and catch the water effectively. This can be frustrating at times, but I have witnessed improvements throughout the year. The race in Chile allowed me to identify the areas where I need to focus and develop better technique. I realized that diving down too much with my arms and lacking the proper catch with my legs were affecting my overall efficiency. Rest assured, I am dedicated to overcoming these obstacles and continuously improving my breaststroke performance.
Navigating the Last Leg: Freestyle
As the race moved into the freestyle leg, I found myself checking the positions of my competitors, particularly my teammates Chloe and Sylvana. Although fatigue set in, I reminded myself to maintain a strong stroke rate and keep my right leg, which is weaker than my left, close to the water's surface to minimize drag. With perseverance and the cheers from the crowd, I powered through the final leg, focusing on crossing the finish line in first place.
Celebrating Victory and Teammates
As I touched the wall, the overwhelming sense of accomplishment washed over me. I knew I had secured the gold medal. With joy bursting from within, I turned to celebrate with my teammates, Chloe and Sylvana. We shared a moment of triumph and camaraderie, knowing we had all performed exceptionally well. It was an unforgettable experience to stand on the Podium together, representing our country and our sport. The support and encouragement from my teammates, as well as the entire Paralympic swimming community, is what makes these victories even more Meaningful.
Reflecting on the Race and Improvements
Looking back at the race in Chile, I consider it a significant milestone in my journey as a Paralympic swimmer. While I am elated with my performance and the gold medal, I recognize that there is always room for improvement. Analyzing my race splits, I have identified areas where I can enhance my technique and increase my speed. Specifically, my breaststroke and freestyle segments require further refinement. I must work on maintaining a steady rhythm in my breaststroke, keeping my feet above the surface, and improving my overall stroke rate in freestyle. These insights will inform my training moving forward as I Continue to strive for excellence in the pool.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 200 IM race at the Parapan American Games in Santiago, Chile, was a monumental achievement for me. Winning the gold medal and achieving my goal of completing the bonus cut for the Paris Paralympic Games was an incredible feat. The race was a true testament to the hard work, dedication, and support I have received throughout my swimming career. I am grateful for the opportunity to compete alongside my teammates and represent my country on the international stage. As I continue to evolve as a swimmer, I am excited to face new challenges, improve my technique, and strive for even greater accomplishments in the future. The journey continues, and I cannot wait to see what lies ahead.