Gemotions

“Michael, we’re moving you to the backstroke,” the coach said. Michael, a freestyle swimmer, found his heart racing. He'd always been a front-stroke, a power swimmer. Backstroke?

He was in the pool as soon as he could. He studied the technique, the roll of the body, the rhythm of the stroke. He was in the pool, swimming the backstroke over and over. He found himself pushing himself harder, striving for perfection.

During his first race, the water was cold, the crowd was loud. He dove in, his body arching and moving like a dancer. As he swam, he felt himself moving faster than before. He was flying. He was winning. He knew then that he would be alright.