It was a AAA Championship meet if I recall correctly. The boys were swimming in the deep end. I was in lane 2 and Martin in 3.
I always respected Martin as a worthy opponent, as he was not someone I could beat easily. He was faster than me, but I really cared to beat him or at least give him the fight of his life in this 400 free.
Upon stepping on the block, I was in a light altered state of consciousness, meaning my mind was quiet and zoomed in. But I wasn’t quite in the same state as when fully in the zone.
At the halfway mark on the third 25, Martin took a breath to his right and I took a breath to my left, as we were swimming stroke for stroke, our eyes connected for what it seemed a very very long time!
I’m not sure what was going on through his mind, or how he recalls this if at all, but for me it was almost a spiritual experience. During that short breathe, while our eyes locked into each other, I perceived what seemed like his feelings of uncertainty about the outcome of the race. That perception lead me to KNOW (without a doubt) that I could get him today in this race. And, still while our eyes are locked in, I felt he “heard” (for lack of better words) my resolve and certainty and resigned to letting me win this race without too much challenge.
I finished the race strongly, but I do not remember my time or position. That experience with Martin, was more meaningful to me than any medals or times I could have done.
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