🏊‍♂️ My First Time Ever Joining a Swimming Competition

Created by Tod Fox 🦊🐾
May 3
2 min read

Mountain View Aquatic Center —

3500 Mountain Lion Dr, Loveland, CO 80537

Today was a big day for me.

I’ve been taking Las Almas Valiente swimming lessons for 5 weeks now. My first day learning to swim was April 2nd, and today I joined my first-ever swimming competition with our Las Almas group at Mountain View Aquatic Center.

Walking into the building felt exciting and a little funny at the same time. I’m brave enough to learn though, I've built confidence, and still continuing again myself to water. Being part of the group made me feel included. Everyone was cheering, practicing, and supporting each other. Even though I’m new, I felt like I belonged.

It wasn’t about winning it was about showing up, trying, and being proud of myself for taking step. Even though I've made it 1st place waking water. 2nd floating. 3rd kickboard.

⭐ What Stood Out to Me

- The pool was huge and bright

- Everyone had different skill levels, but the energy was positive

- I learned by watching others swim

- It made me want to keep improving

This was a good experience for my first competition.

🫶 To Anyone Who Has Swam or Competed Before

I’m sharing this the same way I would talk to someone in person.

If you’ve been to a swim competition before (men or women):

- What do you recommend I try next time besides just saying hi or waving

- How do you stay calm when you’re still learning float

- What helped you feel confident asking for help

And something I’m still learning:

- Can men and women be friends in a safe, respectful way especially in the water or after swimming ?

📱 Asking for Instagram Help

Sometimes I need temporary help with Instagram not all the time, just when I’m trying to grow my page for a good cause.

If someone is with me during the day, how can I ask for help in a friendly, appropriate way

I want to learn how to ask without making anyone feel pressured.

If someone isn’t on Instagram, how can friends still support each other in other ways

💬 Easy Questions You Can Answer by Text

You can text me at 720‑461‑5891.

These questions are simple and easy to reply to:

- Have you ever joined a swim competition before ?

- What helped you when you were new

- What should I try next time I go

- How do you ask friends for small help for Instagram without feeling shy after swimming?

- Are you on Instagram

📝 Why I Ask for Texts Instead of Comments

Because of my learning disabilities and memory challenges, texting is easier for me than reading long comment sections. Text messages is my communication accomodation:

- stay focused

- not lose track of conversations

- remember who I’m talking to

- respond clearly

It’s not about privacy it’s about communication that works better for me.

🏅 Looking Forward to Compete Again

I definitely want to continue this. I’m trying to be more social, more engaged, and more connected with others in the swimming community.

If you’ve competed before, I’d love to hear your suggestions.

Feel free to contact me directly.

What should I try next time I compete?