In The Pool
The young swimmer was waiting to start her race. This was a big competition.
If she won in her state, she would get to go to the national championship.
She was the best and had a dozen gold medals to her name, but the swimmer didn’t know that somebody was going to sabotage her chances of winning.
Number One
Breckynn Willis stood poised on the edge of the shimmering pool, the air heavy with the anticipation of the upcoming race.
Her muscles were coiled, ready to unleash the power of countless hours spent training for this moment.
The quarterly finals in Mississippi were the gateway to something greater, and Breckynn’s eyes reflected the dreams of a professional swimmer.
The Race
18-year-old Breckynn stood at the edge of the pool, her muscles taut with anticipation. The scent of chlorine hung in the air as the lights above reflected in the crystal-clear water.
The crowd buzzed with excitement, the rhythmic thud of cheering and applause echoing through the aquatics centre.
Breckynn was ready for her moment—the quarterly finals in Mississippi, the race that could propel her to greatness.
Something Is Amiss
Coach Carter, a stern figure with a clipboard in hand, approached Breckynn with an unreadable expression. He looked both confused and angry.
She looked at him, her heart pounding, the rhythmic beat almost mimicking the laps she would soon be taking.
“Breckynn,” Coach Carter began, his voice low and grave, “we have a problem.” What could happen before the race?
I Just Heard
45-year-old Coach Carter, a stern figure with a clipboard in hand, approached Breckynn just moments before her race. “ It seems that we may have missed something in the competition rules.”
Breckynn felt like she wanted to throw up. What did she do wrong?
The tension in the air was palpable, and Breckynn could feel her heart pounding against her chest.
Change Your Costume
Confusion flickered in Breckynn’s eyes as she tightened the straps of her swimsuit, a sleek two-piece that had been her trusted companion through countless victories.
“What’s wrong, Coach?” she asked, the murmur of the crowd around them fading into background noise.
Her coach looked her up and down. He was checking her new swimsuit that she had on.
It’s Not The Right One
Coach Carter sighed, glancing around to ensure no prying ears were nearby. “Breckynn, they’ve changed the rules. No two-piece swimsuits allowed in the race.”
Her eyes widened, disbelief painting her face. “Changed the rules? But why now? I’ve been using this swimsuit all season!”
The avid swimmer was in shock, she touched her smart swimsuit and made a sad face.
The Wrong Attire
Coach Carter met her gaze, his expression a mix of sympathy and frustration. “It’s a recent decision, Breckynn. They want full-body suits for the races. It’s non-negotiable.”
The weight of the news sank in, and Breckynn felt the knot of anxiety tighten in her stomach.
“But this is my lucky suit, Coach! I can’t swim in anything else.” What was she going to do?
I’m Sorry About This
Coach Carter’s expression was grave as he looked her in the eyes. “Breckynn, there’s been a complication. You can’t race in that swimsuit. “I know, Breckynn. I know,” Coach Carter responded, placing a hand on her shoulder. “But rules are rules. You have to change into a one-piece, or they won’t let you race.”
“Coach, what’s wrong with it?” Breckynn asked, her voice barely audible over the crowd.
But when she looked over to some of the other female swimmers, she realized what her mistake was.
Rules Overlooked
Her coach insisted that she remove her swimsuit and use one of the recommended swimsuits that the organizers suggested. Breckynn’s eyes widened with disbelief. “What? Why?”
Coach Carter sighed, glancing around to ensure no one was eavesdropping.
“It’s against the rules. No two-piece swimsuits are allowed for the races. It’s a last-minute change, and I just found out.”
I Won’t Do It
Breckynn’s mind raced as she looked down at her specially designed swimsuit—the one that had been her lucky charm in countless victories.
It was a high-tech marvel, engineered for optimal performance with a special material that allowed for effortless gliding through the water.
“But Coach, this suit is part of my success. It’s like a second skin to me,” Breckynn protested, desperation creeping into her voice.
Words Of Hope
The professional swimmer had no choice. Breckynn reluctantly nodded, her mind racing as fast as she did in the pool. She hurriedly changed into a one-piece suit, the seconds ticking away like a countdown to an uncertain fate.
As she emerged, Coach Carter looked at her with a mix of concern and encouragement.
“You can still do this, Breckynn. It’s just a suit.”
Don’t Do It
Breckynn was nervous, “Coach, I’m going to lose this race, I can’t do it in a different suit.” She pleaded with him to talk to the organizers.
Coach Carter grimaced, clearly torn between loyalty to his star swimmer and adherence to the rules.
“I know, Breckynn. I know how much it means to you. But we can’t risk disqualification. The rules are the rules.”
You’re On Your Own
Coach Carter didn’t want to get himself into more trouble with the organizers. So Breckynn decided to go speak to them herself.
The journey through the maze of hallways led Breckynn to the competition organizers’ office. Her heart pounded with each step, uncertainty and resolve warring within her.
She burst into the room; cheeks flushed with emotion.
A Word With You
She knocked on the door, but there was no answer. The race was about to start in a few minutes, she didn’t have time for this.
She barged in through the door, swimsuit in hand.
“I need to speak to someone about the swimsuit rule. It’s unfair, and it’s jeopardizing my career,” Breckynn declared, her eyes locking onto the stern face of a competition official.
No Changes
The official raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. “Rules are rules. No exceptions.” He continued to look at his computer screen as though Breckynn wasn’t even in the room.
The worried swimmer knew that she couldn’t get on the bad side of the judges. She had to choose her words very carefully.
Would they allow her to use her own swimsuit?
In Your Face
Breckynn stepped closer to the official and held her swimsuit up for him to see. He was surprised and pushed his chair back.
“But this swimsuit is my key to success! It’s not about fashion; it’s about performance. I demand a fair chance,” Breckynn pleaded, her voice echoing through the office.
Would the official make an exception for her?
Realizing Her Mistake
He stared at her and raised an eyebrow before saying, “So what you’re saying is that your suit gives you an unfair advantage?”
Breckynn’s heart raced as she realized that she’d made the mistake of letting them in on her secret.
“No! I don’t mean it like that. It just helped me swim better. I’m still the one doing all of the work!”
But it was too late, she had spilled the beans.
Something Was Wrong
Breckynn felt sweat start to bead on her forehead as she realized her mistake. She had thought that the judges would understand what she meant when she said that her swimsuit was designed for performance.
She looked at them to see if any of them had anything to say. Maybe they would agree and disqualify on the spot.
Then one of the older judges cleared his throat.
About Modesty
She stood there waiting for his reaction; she could tell that something was wrong. What would he do next?
He stared at her and finally said, “My dear, don’t worry. No one is saying that you don’t work hard. But this is about modesty.”
The other two of the other judges nodded their heads. It seemed that the same thing that allowed her to feel comfortable and free was deemed inappropriate for others to look at.
The Judges
Breckynn decided to go to the judges once more and plead with them to change their minds. Surely, she could sway one of them.
She knew that it was really only three of the five judges that had a problem with her suit.
The other two kept quiet and never seemed to nod along with their outdated ideals. But Breckynn was in for a big surprise.
Dread
Dread filled her chest as she approached the judges behind their seats.
All eyes were on her, and no one was even talking. Everyone wanted to see what would happen next.
This only made Breckynn more nervous. She was okay with being looked at when she swam but otherwise hated being the center of attention.
Final Decision
The judges looked at each other, whispering and nodding in agreement. Finally, the head judge spoke up.
“I’m sorry, Breckynn, but we can’t allow you to compete in that swimsuit. It violates our rules on modesty.”
Breckynn’s heart sank. She had worked so hard to design a swimsuit that would give her an edge in the competition, and now it seemed like it was all for nothing.
Not Listening
She tried to explain her reasoning to the judges, but they wouldn’t listen. They simply told her that she could either change into a different swimsuit or withdraw from the competition altogether.
Breckynn felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes as she hurried off to change.
She couldn’t believe that the judges had misunderstood her so completely.
This Isn’t The End
The official sighed, finally relenting. “Fine, we’ll consider your case, but you’ll have to race in a standard swimsuit for today. No exceptions.”
Breckynn nodded, her determination unwavering. “I’ll do it, but mark my words—I’ll fight to change this rule.”
She took the name of the official who was Mr.Markram and told him that she would find him later to confirm.
Buying One
She had never intended to violate any rules or offend anyone with her swimsuit design. She reluctantly nodded at the official and accepted her fate.
On top of having to wear an unfamiliar suit, she also had to buy one on the spot from the building.
It was an outrageous fee just because it had their logo on it.
Sense Of Defeat
As she emerged from the changing room in her new swimsuit, Breckynn felt a sense of defeat wash over her.
She knew that she wouldn’t perform as well in this suit, and she couldn’t help feeling angry and frustrated with the judges for their decision.
Back To The Race
Breckynn thanked the official continuously and ran back outside. She only had a few minutes before her race started. Would she make it in time?
She bounded down the stairs back to the olympic size swimming pool and went back to the change room.
She nodded toward Coach Carter who was watching her anxiously. What was he thinking?
In The Race
Back at the pool, Breckynn reluctantly changed into the approved swimsuit.
The cheers from the crowd faded into a distant hum as she took her position on the starting block.
Coach Carter gave her a reassuring nod, but Breckynn’s mind was already in the future, where she would challenge the rules that threatened to hold her back.
Almost Time
The announcer’s voice echoed through the pool area, announcing the imminent start of the race. Breckynn took a deep breath, trying to shake off the unsettling feeling of being out of her element.
Breckynn tried to control her breathing and relax. She was nervous, she hasn’t swam in a different swim suit for six months.
She wasn’t sure if she was going to give her best performance.
The Race Begins
The whistle blew, and the swimmers dove into the water, slicing through it like sleek aquatic creatures.
The race began, and though she moved through the water with skill, her mind was elsewhere—plotting a course to overturn an unjust rule.
The pool echoed with the splash of competitors, but Breckynn’s thoughts were fixed on a different kind of stroke, a battle beyond the water’s edge.
It’s Not The Same
Breckynn’s strokes felt unfamiliar, the one-piece clinging differently to her body. As she powered through the water, she couldn’t shake the feeling of something missing.
The crowd roared, but it was drowned out by the cacophony in her mind.
The finish line approached, and she touched the wall with a mixture of relief and frustration.
A Loser
Coach Carter awaited her at the edge of the pool, a forced smile on his face. “You did great, Breckynn. But I know it wasn’t the same.”
She nodded, the disappointment evident in her eyes. “It wasn’t, Coach. It just wasn’t.”
Breckynn was used to first place, but today she came out fourth. She wasn’t happy with herself.
In Bad Spirits
As the cheers of the crowd faded, Breckynn retreated to the changing room, peeling off the one-piece with a sense of defeat. It was the first time she lost a race in three years.
She stared at her trusted two-piece, now discarded, wondering how a simple change in attire could alter the course of her race.
Were the judges up to something sinister?
I Give Up
The water had been her ally, but now, in a different suit, she felt like a stranger in her own element. Was there anything that she could do to redeem herself?
The future races loomed ahead, and Breckynn was left wondering how she would ever find her rhythm again. She had to do the butterfly stroke next, and knew it would be difficult in the constricting suit.
My Life Is Over
Coach Carter came into the change room to check on Breckynn. She burst into tears when she saw him.
He tried to comfort his former champion but she was inconsolable. “I lost my winning streak,” she wailed.
Breckynn’s eyes welled up with frustration. “I have to do something about this. I can’t let a technicality rob me of my chance.”
Some Hope And Praise
Breckynns sadness turned to anger. She jumped up from the bench and said, “ I’m going to do something about this coach, will you come speak to Official Makram with me?” But he disagreed.
As Breckynn prepared to storm off in search of the competition organizers, Coach Carter gently grabbed her arm.
“Breckynn, I get it. But be careful. Don’t jeopardize your career over this. We’ll find a way to make it right next time.”
Not Giving Up
Determined, Breckynn broke free from Coach Carter’s grasp. “I can’t let this slide. I’ve worked too hard for this.”
She made her way back to the official Markram and told him that she lost her race. She was going to take him on legally.
Official Markram wasn’t offended at all and actually invited her to have a meeting with the judges some time soon.
A Second Chance
As she walked back to the pool area, the disappointment lingered, but so did a newfound determination.
Breckynn Willis, the swimmer who glided through water with grace, was now set to make waves outside the pool, challenging the very rules that sought to confine her.
Breckynn’s fight for her swimsuit choice was only just beginning, and the suspense of her journey promised a thrilling tale of resilience and triumph.
The Next Race
But what the judges did next was unbelievable. They told her that she had to get used to her new suit and she’d be fine.
But it wasn’t even about the suit anymore. It was about the principle.
But Breckynn wasn’t the only one who started to think that this was a violation. In her next race, she prepared herself to swim in the uncomfortable and unfamiliar one-piece suit. Then something incredible happened.
Solidarity
As Breckynn stepped up to the starting block, she heard a loud rustling sound behind her.
She saw that all of the other swimmers were staring at her. What were they doing?
She saw that all of the other swimmers in the competition had taken off their own swimsuits and were standing there in two-piece suits.
Right To Compete
“We stand with you, Breckynn,” one of them said. “We believe in your design and your right to compete in it.”
Breckynn felt tears of gratitude and joy well up in her eyes as she looked around at her fellow competitors.
She had never felt so supported and encouraged in her life.
A Ruckus
The girls started a ruckus at the judge’s table. There was an uproar, and they said that they would disqualify every girl wearing a two-piece suit.
But Breckynn could tell that they weren’t going to budge. They were her competitors when they were swimming, but they also wanted the rules to be fair.
The girl who spoke up earlier told the judges that they had treated Breckynn too harshly.
Forcing Their Hand
Even the crowd in the stands started cheering for the girls. They had all decided to stand together against the tyranny of the judges. But what would their ruling be after all of the competitors broke the rules?
Breckynn smiled as she watched the judges stare at each other and speak in hushed tones.
They looked annoyed and frustrated. But the girls were forcing their hands.
Temporary Rights
After speaking for a moment, the judges had made their decision. They told Breckynn and the girls that they would give them amnesty for using the two-piece suits in the meantime.
They told them that they would figure out what the best solution going forward was.
It was a huge step for Breckynn, and she couldn’t have done it without other swimmers like her.