The Water Bowl took place Feb. 4-5 in Anchorage. This was one of the last chances for kids ages 14 and under to post qualifying times for the Age Group Championships. There were more than 200 kids signed up to participate, including Olympic gold medalist Lydia Jacoby. It was not advertised she was going to be at the event or swimming at it. Alaska Senior Championships had just concluded the prior weekend, so very few seniors had signed up for the swim meet.
As hundreds of kids lined the decks to warm up, feverishly writing their heats on their arms, there were whispers, excitement and the most epic game of telephone taking place as kids saw Lydia’s name on the heat sheets. Kids jumped up and down and squealed with excitement over the chance to swim with her; it was deafening. When Lydia stepped on deck, it was like time stood still as all the kids quieted and stared in awe of her. Sure enough, she had her suit on and started to prep for the meet. As I volunteered on the deck, I witness coaches, officials, parents and swimmers come to chat. She talked to everyone and took pictures with all of them. There were the group shots from the Nome team and selfies in the heat staging. For every kid who had the courage to go up and talk to her, there were four standing back, too shy to make direct eye contact.
Lydia didn’t need to compete; in fact, the events she signed up for would not qualify her for anything. She could have sat on the deck and took pictures and left, which would still have been appreciated. Many of these kids will never go on to be Olympic champions, but all of them can now say they swam in an official swim meet with the reigning gold medalist, and that is a gift they will carry for the rest of their lives. She is a true class act.
Even if my kid does not win an Olympic medal, I still hope she becomes the next Lydia Jacoby.
— Jennifer Lind
Anchorage
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