SPLASH PARTY (next reprint) (American Gold: Swimmers) - Softcover

Before becoming an author of children's books, Sharon Dennis Wyeth went through many different career changes. Her first job after graduating from Radcliffe College was as a family counselor at a day-care center in New York City. She then went on to become an actress, producer, and playwright--and, at one time, owner of her own off-off-Broadway theater. She was also a writer for daytime television, a voice teacher, and a Public Speaking Consultant. She has been a children's book author since 1985.
Sharon Dennis Wyeth lives in Montclair, New Jersey, where she enjoys singing, hiking, cooking, and gardening.

Finally the announcer called out for the swimmers participating in the relay.  Kirk stood up.  Assaulted by a wave of nerves, he felt his knees buckle.  He closed his eyes for a moment.  Then he took a deep breath and put on his goggles.  He thought of Jonah and how much he would have loved to be in the race.  Jonah was good at the freestyle and a team swimmer all the way.  Of all the events at the meet, the relay was the one most teams focused on and the one the crowd waited for.  Reaching into his sports bag, Kirk took out Jonah's lucky stone and held it tight.  The stone was smooth and warm.  Kirk dropped it back into his bag, feeling a surge of new energy.  Then he walked quickly to his place on the deck with the other three swimmers representing the Dolphins. The first swimmers took their positions.  Kirk was the anchor--he would swim last.

The starting signal sounded, and the first swimmers dived in.  The race was a series of sprints, calling for an all-out effort from each swimmer.  Kirk inched forward as the first swimmer touched the wall and the second dived.  The crowd became louder as the second swimmers surged forward, touched the wall, and changed directions, speeding back to touch the wall again.

The third swimmer dived in, and Kirk got into position.  His body was taut and motionless.  He couldn't move an instant too early or he'd be disqualified and the team would forfeit.  Kirk's teammate touched the wall.  In a split-second reflex, Kirk flew into the water.  Though freestyle wasn't his specialty, he'd practiced it since he was four.  All his technique came into play as he shot forward, touched the wall, turned, and with powerful strokes and kicks propelled himself back.  As he touched the wall again, the crowd cheered.  He climbed out of the water.  His teammates were yelling.  The scoreboard was lit up.  In bright lights he saw the name of his team--Dolphins!  His team had come in first! Kirk felt himself starting to cry.  He tried to hide his feelings, but he couldn't.

"Let it out," said the coach, giving him a hug.  "A win like this is bound to bring some emotion."

Kirk sniffed and smiled.  He looked at the stands and saw Kristy and his parents.  And right next to them were Mr. and Mrs. Walsh and Jonah.  Kirk gave him the high sign.  Jonah waved a fist in triumph.  Kirk took his towel and walked toward the stands, experiencing the disbelief he always felt when a meet was over.  So much preparation and anticipation went into swimming a race, so many weeks of work.  And then the whole thing was over, like a dream.

But this year's zone competition was a meet Kirk would never forget, and not only because he'd made well over an A time in the hundred-meter fly and led the Dolphins to victory in the freestyle relay.  In this meet, Kirk had been challenged.  Having swum his worst, he'd managed to keep going to swim his best.