It was 1 week until Olympic Trials according to my countdown app. I went to the pool for 4 hours each day except for Sunday, instead I do fitness. I dived the pool, started the set and soon practice was over. I got changed, tied my soaking wet hair up when my coach called me over. I didn't know what to think and well you never do. I'm getting more tired and maybe he can see that. "Alison, Trials are one week away, are you sure your ready?" said my coach who seemed very concerned. "Yes, as ready as I'll ever be!" I said not very confidently. "You don't look ready or sound ready if I'm honest with you." He had no confidence in me. Maybe everything was getting to much for me.
I went home thinking to myself should I go to Trials. It may be a waste of time? But it will be a great experience, something to look back on and it will show me what mistakes I need to fix for next time.
One week passed and I was strolling back and forth in the departure lounge, stressing out. Instead of thinking positively I had to think negatively. My coach had lost confidence in me therefore I did, but that gives me no reason to stop trying. We had a 2 hour flight to San Jose. We stepped inside the arena. Nerves hit me like a knife had just went into my back. I needed motivation so I ran to the pool and realised, this is my life.
