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DSST is a team for everyone

DSST is both a men's and women's swim team. As a co-ed team, we work out together. Men and women are in the same pool at the same time, in the same
lanes. In competition, however, men’s and women's events are scored separately. Relay teams are set up as distinct men’s and women's teams, as well as combined teams consisting of 2 women and 2 men.

(Top Row) Adolpho, Kim
(Bottom Row) John and Andrea

Overcome fear and self doubt
by Remo A. Peshkepia

My first experience participating in a Masters Swim event took place in Culver City at the Raphael Montijo Relay on September 9, 2002. This annually held swim event is a fundraiser sponsored by West Hollywood Aquatics.

I was extremely nervous in the days and weeks leading up to the meet and seriously questioned my abilities. Apparently, at the time, I didn't think I had enough to be nervous about so I invited my sister, ex-boyfriend and his new boyfriend. What was I thinking? But, with much encouragement from head coach Greg Spire, I bit the proverbial bullet and went for it. Greg assured me he and my team mates would be there to provide moral support. And they were.

I decided to ease into competition by swimming only two events: a 50 and 100 meter free. What I remember from that day is that, being nervous and getting little sleep the night before, I was exhausted. I showed up at the pool much too early and without enough nourishment to get me through what turned out to be a very long wait for my first event. But those were just what turned out to be the unimportant details of the day. What I remember most is Head Coach Greg Spire and my teammates cheering me on as I swam the final length of my last event. Incredibly, hearing their cheers each time I turned my head to breath brought out a competitive side of me I never knew existed. As exhausted as I was at this point, somewhere within me I found more strength, endurance, and ultimately speed that, until that moment, I didn't know was there. Although the only race I won was against myself, the real victory for me was the realization that I could overcome fear and self doubt to attain my goal. No less important is the understanding that the truly exceptional and supportive men and women of DSST provided the environment for me to do so.

And, whenever I experience fear and self-doubt, I only have to remember the loving words of our own Alan Palmer ..... "Do it anyway"