We managed to get over to the swim meet in Dinuba on Friday afternoon to see Justin compete as part of his High School team. It was the first time this season that we'd been able to attend and we were somewhat disappointed to learn that we'd just missed him swim in his heats. We shouldn't have worried as he was going to be competing in 3 finals a little bit later on - after a couple of really long women's races that I swear were won based upon who could move their arms the slowest.
Anyway, just before the finals started they were calling out for people to go and help time the races and M convinced me to offer my services. I had the choice of two Lanes - 4 or 6 - and, because lane 4 was closer that was the one I chose. It was fortuitous as it turned out that that was the lane that Justin was going to be swimming in for his finals.
What people don't always appreciate is the importance of the role that us 'chronographers' perform in determining the outcome of a race. Indeed, we perhaps play just as much of a role as the swimmers themselves - remember the photo-finish 1/100th of a second win recorded my Michael Phelps at the Olympics? If it wasn't for the professionalism of the chronography involved he might have walked (swam?) away with only 7 gold medals in Beijing.
Anyway, I'm glad to say that I performed my duties flawlessly and helped Justin and his teammates win all three of the events they swam in lane 4 while I was on duty. I feel proud to have played a small part in their success and a only hope that they will be aided by a similar class of chronographer at future events should I not be able to make it.
Nice job on that last freestyle relay, JLO! Seeing you close in and take the lead from lane 5 to win the race was a beautiful thing.
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