Back in October Isaac took part in his first swimming gala with Swim Bournemouth and after a bit of a wobbly start he got in the pool and got his first times in breaststroke and freestyle.
Since then he has really turned a corner with his swimming and has a new determination about him, listening well in lessons and even upping his sessions from 3 to 4 per week.
At Christmas his swimming club organise a ‘Christmas Colours Gala’, which is a series of fun relay events involving teams picked from all the squads of mixed abilities and age ranges.
Not only was this event at an unfamiliar pool, but it would be with children and young adults that Isaac does not know, so I was unsure if he would want to take part, but he asked me to sign him up.
Today was the day of the colours gala and we were both awake before our 5.30am alarm as the start time was 6.30am.
Isaac was a like a different child to the nervous swimmer he was at the last gala and literally bounced into the leisure centre to get changed.
Isaac was assigned to the blue team, which was led by assistant head coach, Sam. Despite not knowing anyone in his team or his coach, he headed poolside, introduced himself and started chatting to his team.
I sat proudly and watched as he warmed up, with no complaint or wobble.
When it was time to race, not only did he happily compete in each race with a big grin on his face, but he clapped and cheered his team on too.
Team Blue came a respectable 4th place, but the real winner is Isaac and his new-found confidence. He thoroughly deserved his breakfast treat this morning!!
Well done Isaac, we are all very proud of you.
Roll on the next gala!!
Aw well done Isaac – I love hearing about stories like these. My eldest started off wobbly with nerves and is now part of the England Synchro Squad so who knows where that gala will lead!
That is great to know, he is such a good swimmer but just doesn’t have the confidence in himself……yet
Well done Isaac – you’ve earnt that breakfast. Sounds like he’s really getting into his swimming.
That was an early start but sounds so much fun!
I wish I learnt to be a stronger swimmer as a child. I’m currently looking to find adult lessons to help me perfect my technique.
Massive congrats Isaac! Swimming really is one of those things where once you’ve got your confidence you just get it.
Well done Isaac, you have done so well, keep up the good work, the treat was well deserved.
Well done Isaac. That is impressive.
Well done Isaac, keep up the great work! That looks like a fab breakfast too!
Ahhh it’s lovely to hear how much he has improved, that breakfast looks immense
Well done Isaac! He has done so well: I still haven’t sorted out lessons for my kids yet 🙁
Ah that’s wonderful he is full of so much renewed confidence! And that breakfast treat looks amazing!
Well done Isaac!! Such an amazing achievement in not a long period of time. I bet you loved that waffle for breakfast afterwards too. Keep up with the swimming x
Well done Issac! That is a well-deserved chocolate waffle there 🙂 Amazing that he’s so keen he’ll do 3-4 sessions a week!
A massive well done is in order! I used to love to swim x
Aww well done Isaac. Sounds like he’s come along in strength and confidence x