On the 15th of February, one day after Valentines Day where chocolate was everyone's best friend, GISS hosted their annual swimming Carnival for years 7-10. Although the weather was cold and rainy, the spirits were high with enthusiasm.

Our school’s biggest swimming contest kicked off with Years 7 and 8. Everyone was chatting away in their swimsuits and towels on the short walk to the Terrey Hills Swim School. We were greeted by a few trainers from the Swim School as they separated the four lanes into six. Each year got their own lane for a 5 to 10 minute warm up. You honestly couldn’t tell if it was warmer in the water or outside on the benches. After a few short laps, the first races began.

First up was Breaststroke, which was most people's favourite. First came the Year 7 girls. Their races were incredibly tight as many students and parents watching cheered them on. This was followed by the Year 7 boys, then the Year 8 girls and finally the Year 8 boys. The whole time the atmosphere was cheery and full of excitement. Sitting in front of the lanes were some teachers and students, who sat on the edge of their seats timing and writing down results. They deserve an absolute praise for their fast reflexes on the stop watches and for their encouraging congratulations.

Freestyle followed breaststroke. Freestyle was the fastest out of all the races. You would think that the race just started when it is over. These races were at times only a minute long! Up next was backstroke which was where all our determined swimmers raced against the clock and their fellow competitors. The cheers from spectators sounded like complete gibberish with our ears under water but every swimmer continued to push through the race.

At last came everyone’s least favourite stroke, butterfly. Most people were already exhausted after the earlier three strokes, but a few extremely motivated swimmers lined up for the race. Not many people dared to do the toughest stroke, with it ending up coming down to only two people per race. But non the less, each swimmer gave their absolute all as they swam the longest 50 metres of their lives. After a few long breaths and lots of water, Years 7 and 8 left the Swim School, exhausted but also very refreshed. As they left, Years 9 and 10 entered with probably just as exciting and entertaining races ahead of them.

The entire event was planned by Herr Pfannenmüller and I know that everyone participating was absolutely thrilled to have been able to have such a fun time. We are all super grateful for all the effort which was put in by all teachers and can’t wait for next year's one.

Zoe, Year 8a