First 100 meters breaststroke Competition

We have been wanting to registered Ryan for some formal swimming lessons even when we were back home in Malaysia but unfortunately, either they said that he was too young or they could not find enough young children to be grouped together to start  a class or the venue was simply too far from where we stayed.

Hence, we we arrived in Beijing, we made sure that the apartment that we stayed has a club house with good swimming facilities and Park Avenue seemed to be the perfect fit. They have a bright Olympic size pool with good trainers and training program. We wasted no time in enrolling both Ryan and Chenya for 36 hours of private lessons each (with an option that the total combined 72 hours can be used by either one). It was rather painful (financially) when it came to making payment as it cost us something like RM7000 each. The only consolation is that the lessons are hourly one on one basis by a professional well trained coach whose credentials include being one of the National Swimming coaches, among others. Lee, was exceptionally good with children and having a son of just one year old (swimming like a fish) truly helps him in understanding how to motivate and encourage little ones to learn and have fun at the same time.

We certainly have seen how fast Ryan, who already loves the water even when he was one year old, learnt and progressed.

The biggest milestone and challenge was when after just 27 hours of lessons, he was asked to take part in the recent swimming competition held by the club. We were not sure but his coach has full confidence that the competition will do him good. So, we went ahead to registered him under the 5-6 years old category (since he will turned 5 by the date of the competition).

To our surprise and horror to an extend, we found out that he was actually registered in the 100 meters (2 laps of 50 meters) breast stroke in the 5-6 years category. His trainer as usual was full of confidence and told us not to worry. When his turn came, his coach came over and simply told him to swim his heart out and that there is nothing to worry about. Ryan simply smiled and got into the water. 

He was the youngest and simply the smallest in size among all the competitors. When the whistle went off, he just kicked away. Everyone was cheering. He started strongly and for the first 25 meters, he was neck to neck but clearly we could see him tiring as he approached the 50 meters mark. Our biggest concern was NOT for him to win. All we wanted was for him to finish the race no matter what because that would boost his confidence level and motivate him even further, knowing that if he put his heart into it, nothing is IMPOSSIBLE.

I can see the determination in his face as he surfaced each time to take a deep breath before pushing himself for another couple of strokes. By the time he made the turn, the others were already half way back. He kept on nevertheless, pushing and puffing. The entire crowd was cheering and clapping to urge him to go on.

When he touched the wall of the pool, everyone cheered. He DID IT! In 2 minutes and 22 seconds, Ryan completed his first 100 meters breast stroke competition. This was definitely NOT his best time as he has clocked 55 seconds for 50 meters before, according to his trainer but THAT is NOT important to us. We are the proudest parent there, because at the tender age of 5 years old, after merely 27 hours of lessons, our son COMPLETED his very FIRST SWIMMING COMPETITION!

The trainer came over and said “He might not have the physical strength but what he has is far more important, mental strength and determination.”

We could not be happier! Well done Ryan. When you read back this post when you are older, always remembers, NEVER QUIT nor GIVE UP in whatever quests you undertake. Just like your first 100 meters, with every stroke and every puff, you are getting nearer to your finishing line and everyone, especially your mommy and daddy will always be there to cheer you on! GO GO GO!