What to expect at your first gala (for swimmers)
New to gala day? Don’t stress. Here’s exactly how it works (TC style).
Your first gala can feel like a big deal; new faces, loud whistles, packed pools, and nerves that feel like butterflies doing butterfly. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back.
At TC Aquatics, we want every swimmer to feel calm, confident, and prepared, especially if it’s your first gala.
Here’s what you can expect on the day, and how to make the most of it.
You’ll be sitting with the club, not your parents
TC swimmers sit together under the team gazebo.
It helps us:
- Keep track of you
- Keep you focused
- Help you bond with your teammates
Your parents will be nearby cheering you on, but your home base for the day is with your team.
Stay under the gazebo between races
Gala days are long, and sitting still isn’t always easy. But we expect swimmers to:
- Rest between races
- Stay out of the sun
- Keep themselves busy; bring a book, magazine, Uno cards, colouring, board games or fidget toys
- Avoid “silly buggers”; there’s no running around or wild playing under the TC flag
- Respect the space, respect your teammates, and remember, every bit of energy saved is energy for your next race.
Snack regularly, hydrate often
You need fuel to swim well.
Don’t wait until you’re starving. Eat small snacks throughout the day and sip water or hydration drinks regularly.
We’ll remind you, but you’re also learning to take responsibility for your own body and performance.
Keep your belongings together
The gazebo area can get messy fast. Keep all your belongings in your bag and zipped up when you’re not using them.
Label everything! Gala days are where towels go to disappear.
Listen to and respect the team manager
There will be a team manager or coach under the gazebo helping with:
- Event calls
- Warm-up reminders
- Marshalling times
- Emotional support
Always let them know if you need to go to the loo, or if you’re feeling unsure about anything. They’re there to help and to keep things running smoothly.
If a race doesn’t go well; that’s okay
Sometimes you miss a turn, mess up a stroke, or come last. That’s part of swimming. It’s okay to feel disappointed. Take a moment. Cry if you need to. But then: breathe, reset, and get ready for the next one. One race doesn’t define your gala or your worth.
Soak it all up and enjoy the vibe
Gala days are exciting! There’s cheering, music, new friends and memories waiting to be made. Be proud of showing up. Be kind to others. And don’t forget to have fun, because this is what Tomorrow’s Champions are made of.
Conclusion
Your first gala might feel big now, but you’re ready. You’ve trained, you’ve prepped, and you’ve got your team by your side. Remember: you’re not expected to be perfect. You’re here to learn, grow, and take your first step into something awesome. We’ll be cheering you on every lap of the way.
"Every great swimmer remembers their first gala not for the medals, but for the moment they realised they belonged."