In my life, I have always shown great attitude but no aptitude in sports. However, my determined attitude later turned out to be people’s way of describing my character.
On a swimming competition day, the only available race for me to participate was 200m breaststrokes. I gasped – I was a bona fide beginner. Within a few minutes, I was standing on the diving board, ready to be sucked into the deep water. As I surreptitiously glanced at my sides, I recoiled at the sight of two, tall, buff age-champions stretching their arms. I immediately felt my body shrinking to make itself even smaller. However, I was already firmly resolved to attend and finish the race. Shutting my eyes tight, I leapt.
The next thing I knew was that my goggles had slipped down to my nose. Bewildered, I gulped down a mouthful of water, and scrambled my way up to the atmosphere. When I emerged above the surface, roaring laughter burst out from crowds. Embarrassed, I hastily pulled up my goggles and hysterically waved my arms and legs to catch up with the distant competitors.
The fiasco continued, and finally I was facing the last 50m of the race. When I heaved myself up, I caught a glimpse of the finished competitors. Quickly, I hid myself back in the water and kept going.
Why was I keep going? The result was obvious, an absolute failure. As the word ‘failure’ stabbed my heart, tears started welling up in my eyes and my arms slowed down. I wanted to give up and dash out of the pool. Nonetheless, coming first was not what I had aimed for in this race. My purpose had been finishing, not winning. The failure would make me lose, but could never stop me. I did not succumb to the stupid exhaustion or humiliation. I was going to finish the race.
I fiercely paddled my arms again, combating the agonizing pain in my body. Soon, I stretched my hand out for the tantalizing wall. A weak touch, and I was done. Puffing, I slowly lifted my head up and dragged myself out of the pool.
“Go Gina! You made it!”
My body was extremely fatigued, but I could clearly hear the people’s shouts. Then, the principal walked up to me patted me on the back. She exclaimed, “In my entire life I have never seen a student more determined than you!”
From then on, the word ‘determined’ always followed me around. I was not the best, but I always did my best to achieve my purposes.
Until now, I have begun and completed countless races not only in pool lanes but also in every aspect of my life. Still, I have no clue about my “final race” – the finale to my endeavor is not visible as the wall of the swimming pool had been. However, one thing remains clear. I will never give up until I reach the end, because that is my attitude, determined more than anyone.
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