Over the next two weeks, Bec couldn’t stop thinking about the club races. They were so super serious!

She had lots to think about. Working on her breathing, getting her breaststroke kick right, building up her strength. And eating loads of good food to give her energy …

Even when she was at school, or meant to be listening to her mum, Bec’s mind was a jumble of Hung’s tips – how to shoot fast off the block, how to do each stroke, how to breathe in a strong, steady rhythm.

I have to race well, she kept telling herself. I have to keep up with the others.

Whenever Bec thought about keeping up with the rest of the squad, her heart started to race in her chest as if she was already swimming.

Bec’s head was so full of swimming and racing that she didn’t have room to remember other things – like her homework or her windcheater.

On the day before club races, she even forgot her lunch. When Bec’s dad tapped on the classroom window, everyone giggled. Cassie, who was sitting next to Bec, nudged her and rolled her eyes.

Bec felt her cheeks flush red. Normally she was super organised. She never forgot anything! But racing was all she could think about now.

Never mind, Bec told herself. She’d need a healthy lunch if she was going to swim fast tomorrow.

The next morning, Bec could hardly think straight. She felt like her whole body had kicked into overdrive. Her legs felt shaky from excitement. Her stomach felt fluttery and nervous.

What’s going on? Bec wondered. She wasn’t used to feeling nervous like this. Usually Bec felt confident and strong, and sure of what she could do. She wasn’t used to having jittery legs and flutters inside.

Why was she feeling so awful?

Bec walked into the pool complex and gulped. The stands were so full!

Bec had no idea there were so many members of the swim club – teenagers, adults and even some kids who looked younger than Bec. And everyone was wearing Fairburn club colours – red and yellow!

Seeing so many people made Bec feel jittery all over again. Her first race was going to be in front of a huge crowd!

She found her friends beside the warmup pool.

‘Are you ready, Bec?’ asked Ruby. ‘I love racing!’ She shook her arms and legs like a rag doll.

Bec dropped her net bag and glanced up at her parents in the stands. ‘I guess so.’ She felt a little bit excited, but mostly she felt nervous.

‘Hey,’ said Holly, punching Bec playfully on the arm. ‘Don’t be nervous. You’ll be fine once you’re in the pool.’

Bec nodded.

But the warm-up laps felt strange. It was hard trying to find a rhythm when all she could think about was racing in front of so many people.

By the time she was standing on the block, Bec’s heart was pounding. She tried to take some deep breaths.

The starter gun clicked, meaning ‘be ready’. Next to Bec, the other squad kids took their places on the blocks.

A hush fell over the crowd in the stands.

Bec leant forward – arms ready to shoot forward, legs ready to push …

Her thighs were shaking.

BANG!

With the sound of the starter gun, Bec pushed forward and dived into the pool. Bec’s heart was thudding so loudly that she could hardly think.

Then – flick, flick, flick – she kicked up to the surface, ready to begin her stroke.

Already her lungs felt tight. Stroke, stroke, stroke, breathe …

Stroke, stroke … breathe, GASP!

Bec pushed herself, but her legs were like jelly. Her arms felt loose and weak.

How can I swim fast? Bec thought desperately. I can hardly breathe!