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My dream of being a synchronized swimmer sank after one class | Forgotten Dreams - Thought Shares

My dream of being a synchronized swimmer sank after one class

I saw synchronized swimming on TV once and thought it was the coolest thing, so I decided I wanted to do it. I found a beginner class at the community pool and signed up right away. The first day, we had to practice floating and moving our arms in sync. I was so bad at it that I kept bumping into other people and even kicked the instructor by accident. At one point, I tried to hold my breath and spin, but I got dizzy and choked on pool water. Everyone stopped to watch me cough and splutter while the teacher helped me to the edge. I left the pool that day knowing I would never be a swim star. Now, I think back and just laugh at how silly the whole thing was.

4 comments

4 Comments

william_lee867mo ago

Ever think you could master something just from seeing it on TV? I tried to copy some fancy diving moves and ended up hitting the water flat, like a slapped pancake... Now I leave the water stuff to people who know how to hold their breath.

piperbailey7mo ago

@william_lee86, your pancake landing story hits home for me. I used to be sure that watching experts on TV meant I could do it too. Then I tried to copy a dance routine from a music video, and let's just say it was not pretty. That mess showed me how much work goes into things behind the scenes. Now I get why you stick to dry land, because some skills need more than just seeing them. Maybe it's just me, but TV makes everything look way simpler than it really is.

faithflores7mo ago

TikTok made that sport look way easier than it is.

ruby_jones7mo ago

That first class sounds like a total nightmare, I would have been so embarrassed. I tried a yoga class once because the poses looked so peaceful in pictures, but I fell over trying to stand on one leg and took out the person's mat next to me. It's crazy how something that looks smooth and easy is actually super hard when you try it yourself. Your story about choking on pool water is way too real, I've been there with a mouthful of lake water. At least you got a funny story out of it, even if the dream sank.