Shannon’s Reviews > Deep End > Status Update

I guess I can’t really complain about the accuracy or inaccuracy of what it would be like to make Worlds for this Michael Phelps over here since I was never that good. So maybe I’ll say that at least some of this seems like it’s a little bit more realistic than the rest of the swimming side of things.

OK, sorry but also they’re having a diving meet and a swimming meet on the same day? Is this real life? Am I just…unspoiled? In that I’ve only ever been to a pool that can only host one competition at a time? Have I been living under a rock? Do universities in the states actually do this because they have enough money and space?

Ok but also—I know I’m not a diver but for meets don’t people need to know what they’re competing in more than just on the day of the meet? Like you can’t just show up to a dive meet and say “oh I’m gonna do this dive today”… isn’t there like regulations and entries that people have to sign up for? Or is that just for swimming?

Thank goodness they didn’t perfect their synchro dive within two weeks of working together for the first time 😮‍💨

For all you non swimmers out there: the words “butterfly” and “distance” do not go together. Not the way this book is describing it.

And yes, I know I need to get over it.

This guy “shaved nearly a second off his best from the summer.” Ok. Consider me impressed. But also consider me rolling my eyes in disbelief.

“Backstroke. Long distance.”

Ok I’m not sure if she’s making this girl a long distance backstroker or if she’s saying she’s a backstroker AND a long distance swimmer but I think she means the first and if so, gurl a 200bk is not considered long distance (and that’s the longest backstroke race irl)

OK, but I already have to update because page one and she’s a diver and as a swimmer, I legally cannot handle that. Also page 2, and this guy has a truckload of metals and world records… ummm, OK bro, sure.