On Saturday, I witnessed something wonderful at the Desert Hills Swimming Invitational.
It wasn't the moment Krissia won the backstroke in a new record time - although that was wonderful, too.
Rather, it happened in the first heat of the girls' backstroke.
The first heat of each race is filled with those swimmers who post the slowest times. There were about six swimmers in this heat; one was a girl with Down's Syndrome from Snow Canyon High School. She had competed in the 50 Freestyle the day before, finishing far behind the rest of the swimmers. However, the building had erupted with cheers from swimmers and spectators alike when she touched the wall. I expected to see the same outcome for this heat of the backstroke.
As the race began, I noticed the special needs swimmer was actually keeping up with a few of the slowest competitors. This changed after the second lap, as the girl began to run out of steam and many of the other swimmers began passing her. That is, all but one. The little Down Syndrome swimmer could sense there was someone in the race she had a chance of beating, and it motivated her to keep going.
As the last lap began, I noticed the other slow swimmer kept glancing over at the special needs girl. It slowly dawned on me that this swimmer was pacing herself with the other girl on purpose, allowing the girl with Down's Syndrome the chance to beat somebody - perhaps for the first time in her life.
I grew a little teary eyed at this realization; this swimmer was on a 5A team from Salt Lake City and had probably never met the special needs girl before in her life. Yet, she was willing to sacrifice her chance at getting a faster time in order to boost the esteem of a total stranger. As both girls neared the finish, the crowd grew wild - celebrating the triumph of the special needs swimmer beating someone and the other competitor who made it possible for this to happen.
This act has inspired me to be a little kinder to those around me this week, and I challenge those who read this to also pay it forward by looking for ways to help others - even those who may be total strangers :)
6 comments:
what a great story. it made me cry. i am so proud of that young woman -- what a fine example of what we all should be.
Thanks for sharing such a sweet and touching story. Sometimes I get so wrapped up in my own life and issues that it's nice to have a reminder to look for ways to help others. Thank you.
It's refreshing to hear stories like that, and even more wonderful that you experienced first hand. Thanks for sharing Kim :)
Awesome story!
That is a very inspiring story :) It's always so nice to hear about those acts of kindness that make you want to try harder. Also, I love the pics you took of your snow day!
I got a little teary-eyed reading your story. Thanks for sharing.
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