On February 4, 2021, the Midlothian Trojans took on their biggest swim competition yet. Competing against Atlee, Matoaca, and Clover Hill, the members of each team would be battling for the first four places in each event, ultimately vying for a ticket to the state championship. 

Relays were allowed for the regionals meet, which was a change from the regular season meet. However, the relays had to take place at each of the team’s practice pools, and not in the regulated competition pool, which did not allow for an even playing field between the teams. 

Another precaution that was taken was creating separate meets for the boys and the girls. The boys arrived at the pool bright and early for a COVID check at 8:30 a.m. and had finished their meet by 11:15 a.m. when the girls were due to arrive for their health check and events. The swimmers were placed six feet apart at all times, and during the warmups, only three swimmers were allowed per lane. 

The warmups allowed the Trojans to get in their stroke counts, get their heart rate going, and most importantly, get the adrenaline pumping. To make up for the lack of spectators, music was played over the speakers throughout warmups and the meet, ranging from throwbacks like, “Ice, Ice Baby” to more popular hits of today, including “Dance Monkey.” Senior Emily Gundel said the music helped her get pumped up as she “danced around with her friends and coaches.”

The rivals were ready to rock by the time they approached the starting block, and many Midlo swimmers made memorable appearances against their fierce competitors, and some were successful enough to make it to states. For others, this was their last time swimming competitively for Midlo, turning it into a bittersweet moment where they recalled memories of seasons past, while celebrating their success as Trojan athletes. 

The state championship in Oaktown, VA will be attended by 14 Midlo swimmers who are ready to make a splash amongst the best competition in Virginia.