sinewy muscles shake. swimmers fidget to stay loose. shoulders shrug once, twice; a roll of the neck left, right. tug on the goggle strap. a rub of the goggles with one's thumbs. goggles set, cap in place, a deep inhale and exhale as a long whistle signals them onto the platform. a monotone "take your mark" brings swimmers to their motionless set position. the beep sounds. they blast off. awesomeness of a swim race.
