Women's Swimming | 12/31/2018 12:15:00 PM

In early December I again represented my country at the FINA World Aquatics Championships in Hangzhou, China.

I was part of a team of four  swimmers who swam for Lebanon. This competition was my fourth world championship and second short course.
 
I love swimming more than anything, and it was a true honour to compete at the tournament.
 
This meet was way more challenging than the others. I left Montreal right after completing two final exams, and arrived to China the night of my race.
 
Unlike normal international competitions, I didn't get the chance to travel a few days early to rest and adjust to the time difference and pool conditions.
 
I was dealing with a 13-hour time difference, only got a couple of hours of sleep, and swam the 400m free. I can say that it was surely the hardest race of my life and swimming it was so painful. I was surprised and proud of my results, as I was only a few seconds away from my best time!
 
I knew that going there would be a challenge. I left during our finals period and had to study before and after my competition. I admit that it was hard, but I certainly don't regret it. I had a lot of fun, even during my races when I was feeling a pain I had never previously felt while competing.
 
Most importantly - I learned a lot. Being exposed to different situations clearly gives me perspective about what I really want and what I need to do to achieve my biggest goals.
 
I'm thankful for everyone who stands next to me everyday of this journey and I'm grateful for this sport for giving me such amazing opportunities.
 
Gabriella Doueihy is in her second year with the McGill Martlets swim team. She studies biology and her hometown is Ehden, Lebanon.