It is absolutely incredible to be part of such an amazing feat. To feel the focused energy and captivated attention of all in attendance.
I wait with the others, focused on the abyss below. And then I see the faint shadows emerging, gliding upwards. Releasing the rope I float back a few feet to make room. The Athlete cannot be touched by anyone. The bubbles that preceed him ripple the surface and trigger a wave of fear, hope and love from the crowd that pass through and over me. Following his tradjectory I focus on my job, to be directly in front of him and determine his condition on arrival. And then in a blink he is there holding firmly the rope that has been his companion for one hundred and one meters, determination in his eyes but not yet the desire to breathe.
RESPIRACION! A teammate cries out. Carlos' eyes are steel, he yells quietly under his breath, to himself, to the world.
RESPIRACION! Our eyes meet.
RESPIRACION! Carlos stays on me, taking measured, determined breaths, relinquishing control, re-establishing his dependence. He gives me the OK sign and turns towards his people.