DISRUPTION: Making Noise, Making a Splash

At the surface, swimming is loud.

A startling air horn disrupts the hushed crowd and dictates the start of the race. Then there's the splash upon impact as eight bodies simultaneously collide with the water. As they break the surface, there's the thunder of their powerful kicks, churning up a small current. Their arms glide or thrash, depending on the event, as they leave calmer waters in their wake.

It's controlled chaos, all while gasping for air.

But underneath?

"It's definitely a lot of staring at a black line."

Senior captain Ryan Merani puts it simply but sometimes, simple is the way to go. Swimming is an individual sport: swim your race; stay in your lane. Stay on path; stare at the black line.

Photo by Marissa Gilchrist | UK Athlet

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