On January 9th Riley had the opportunity to race at his very first New South Wales State Age Championships... Now, some of you might think that it isnt such a big deal, but to put it in a bit of perspective, this meet is the highest level of competition in NSW for his age group, not just anyone can swim at this meet, you have to meet qualifying times to actually make it and NSW has the toughest qualifying times in ALL of australia. NSW is the most populated state in the nation, with the most registered swimmers, so as you can imagine, just simply qualifying for such a meet is an enormous achievement, and even more so for a country kid.
Riley qualified only for one event, the 100m Breaststroke, he was one of a field of 27 - the fastest 27 kids in NSW in this event... We went to homebush the day before his race to watch another Wagga team mate race and so he could suck in the atmosphere a bit... He grabbed the program and went in search of his event... and to dissect the competition... he ended up being seeded 14th with his qualifying time, which put him in the 2nd heat, he was ok with that and as he was placed in his favourite lane - lane 6 - he went about telling myself and his coach how he was going to swim his race and what time he was going to do...
His Coach and I sat there and basically nodded... and agreed and let him go about what he said he was going to do... he said he would take 4 seconds off his time... "Ok, Riley... but don't you think you should set yourself a more realistic goal?" Immediately he quips back "NO!! I AM going to take 4 seconds off my time AND I am going to win my heat!" now, we agree with him, but knowing he had a fairly average morning, he was quite erratic and a little bit hyperactive, (which isnt uncommon as Riley has ADHD) we didnt have any expectations aside the hope that he didn't break the start!! Just being there was ENORMOUS!!
Riley, his coach and myself all know what he is capable of and generally when he sets his mind to something, there is no stopping him... he was nervous behind the blocks to start... then he stared down the lanes... onto the blocks he was as steady as can be... take your marks... Set... BEEEP.... not only did he NOT break the start, he came up after his dive in front and stayed that way the whole race, winning his heat by nearly 2 seconds and taking a MASSIVE 4.6 seconds off his his personal best time... we were gobbed smacked and completely ecsatic at his achievement. Now we had to wait... wait for the fastest heat to be swam... at this stage he was guaranteed at worst 11th place... they went in... they finished... the times came up.. and both his coach and I sit there fingers crossed... then OMG!! 5TH!!! HE CAME 5TH!!! this kid from the bush came 5th... AT STATE!! woohoo!
Now... to make it to State is sensational... to do a PB is fantastic... finishing in the TOP 10 is more than great but finishing in the TOP 5 in NSW is freaking awesome... I am so proud of him and his dedication and driving a round trip of 1000km for him to swim one race in a total of 1 minute and 33 seconds is totally worth it... the next meet is in Yass... a little bit closer...
THE PROGRAM
JUST COMING UP AFTER HIS START
ON THE HOME STRETCH
CELEBRATING WITH HIS FINALIST RIBBON
ME BEING THE GOOD MUM, CARRYING THE KIT BAG
whilst the kid carries my camera and takes pictures of me...grrr....
THE BOY HAS OLYMPIC DREAMS...
We were walking to maccas to have a celebratory icecream and he threw himself on the ground and started hugging the olympic rings, I love this image and it makes me tear up, I am so proud that he has so much dedication and commitment to something at such a young age...
DANCING UNDER THE FOUNTAIN @ HOMEBUSH
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