#olympic swimming

[antebunny]

things like this are the only times i feel even vaguely patriotic

[kazuha-pista-badam]

ok so if chinese swimmers are fast as hell and broke records/won medals, they are doping; if an algerian female boxer knocks out her weak opponent in under a minute, she's transvestigated and if an indian athlete is 100 grams overweight, she's disqualified without anybody challenging the decision BUT a dutch man is allowed to play on the beach volleyball national team even after raping a 12 year old... pretty interesting in my opinion

[sports-brain]

Katie Ledecky 🇺🇸 2024 Olympic 1500m Freestyle Champion, Olympic Record Holder & the first female swimmer to win Gold Medals at four different Olympic Games.

[allsouls-emma]

Léon Marchand x female reader and the use of oc.

A Léon Marchand fanfiction.

Warnings: swearing, DNI if under 18, 18+, PnV, Voyager!!, no mention of protection, lack of research of swimming, hints of dubscon. Defo not proof read enough.

It was a warm July Wednesday in Paris, and the city was buzzing with excitement as the Olympics were in full swing. Noelle, a brown-haired blue-eyed journalist known for her blunt and outgoing personality, had flown in specifically for the event. Her mission: to report on the swimming competition and interview the athletes for an Irish magazine .

As she took her seat in the Aquatic Center, her eyes immediately locked onto the French swimmer Léon, a three-time gold medalist. His blonde curly hair shimmered with droplets of water, and his chiseled body moved with grace and power as he glided through the pool. Noelle’s heart skipped a beat; she knew she had to meet this man.

After a dazzling performance, Léon emerged from the water, his muscular physique on full display. He waved to the cheering crowd, his blue eyes sparkling with joy. Noelle felt a tingle between her legs as she imagined those eyes looking at her with desire. She forced herself to focus on the race, knowing she would soon get her chance to meet Léon face-to-face.

Finally, the race concluded, and Léon emerged victorious once more. As he stood on the podium, his medals glinting in the spotlight, Noelle felt her pulse quicken. She made her way to the mixed zone, where athletes and journalists interacted post-event. Her heart raced as she anticipated the moment she would come face-to-face with Léon.

And then he was there, standing before her, his skin still glistening with beads of sweat and his breath slightly ragged from the exertion of the race. Léon was even more breathtaking up close, his body a masterpiece of athletic perfection. Noelle introduced herself, her voice steady despite the butterflies in her stomach.

"Léon, it's an honor to meet you, I'm Noelle . Congratulations on your win today. I'd love to ask you a few questions if you have a moment."

Léon's bashful smile took her breath away. "Bonjour, Noelle. The pleasure is mine. I would be delighted to answer your questions." His French accent sent a shiver down her spine, and she felt a twitch between her legs.

As they began the interview, Noelle struggled to maintain her professional demeanor. Léon's charm and good looks were distracting, and she found herself imagining what it would be like to run her hands over his sculpted body. She cleared her throat, forcing her mind back to the task at hand.

"So, Léon, tell me, how does it feel to be here in Paris, competing in your home country?"

Léon's eyes lit up as he replied, "It's a dream come true, truly magical. The support from the French crowd is incredible, and it pushes me to swim even faster."

Noelle bit her lip, her mind wandering to the night ahead and the possibility of a different kind of race—one that involved exploring each other's bodies. She shook her head slightly, determined to stay focused.

"I can only imagine," she said, her tone suggestive. "The pressure must be intense. How do you unwind after a stressful race?"

Léon's eyes darkened, and a hint of a smile played on his lips. "I like to take long, hot baths and just relax. Sometimes, I go for a run along the Seine to clear my head."

Noelle pictured Léon's strong legs pumping as he ran, his swimmer's body sleek and powerful. She fought the urge to reach out and touch his arm, her nipples hardening at the thought.

The mixed zone was beginning to clear out as the last of the journalists finished their interviews. Noelle knew this could be her only chance to make a more personal connection with Léon.

"Perhaps you'd like to show me your favorite running route?" she suggested, her voice low and inviting. "I could do with some fresh air, and it would be a pleasure to see the city through the eyes of a local."

Léon's bashful smile returned, and Noelle felt a surge of triumph. "I would love to. It's a date, then. Shall we say tonight at 8? We can run along the river and perhaps grab a drink after if you'd like."

Noelle’s heart pounded as she realized she was about to embark on a private adventure with the man of her dreams. "I wouldn't miss it for the world," she replied, her tone leaving no doubt as to her eagerness.

As they exchanged contact details, their fingers brushed, sending an electric current through Noelle’s body. Léon's eyes flicked to her lips, and she knew he was imagining kissing her as much as she was. The interview concluded, and they parted ways, both eager for the night ahead.

Later that evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of pink and orange,Noelle made her way to the meeting point. Léon was already there, a vision in casual attire, his blonde curls shining in the golden hour light.

"You look beautiful," he said, his voice husky as he took in her form-fitting yoga pants and tank top.

Noelle felt a rush of desire as his intense gaze swept over her. "You don't look so bad yourself," she replied, a playful smile on her face.

They set off, running side by side along the Seine. Noelle matched her pace to Léon's, their arms occasionally brushing as they ran. The city lights twinkled in the darkness, providing a romantic backdrop to their energetic endeavor. As they ran, Léon pointed out landmarks and shared stories of his childhood in Paris. Noelle listened, enchanted, enjoying the private tour and the intimate insight into Léon's life.

As they reached a particularly picturesque spot, Léon slowed to a stop, and Noelle followed suit. They were alone on the riverbank, the city's hustle and bustle feeling miles away. Léon turned to face her, his eyes burning with desire.

"Noelle, I've been wanting to do this all night," he said, stepping closer and cupping her face in his hands.

Noelle’s heart hammered in her chest as she leaned into his touch, their lips meeting in a passionate kiss. Léon tasted of mint and desire, and Noelle felt herself melting into him. Their tongues danced, and Noelle ‘s hands roamed over his strong shoulders and back, savoring the feel of his powerful body.

Breaking the kiss, Léon nibbled along Noelle’s jawline, planting kisses down her neck. Noelle tilted her head back, moaning softly as he found a particularly sensitive spot. Léon's hands moved to the curve of her hips, pulling her against him so she could feel his hardening dick against her belly.

"I want you, Noelle ," he whispered, his voice hoarse with need. "Let's find a more comfortable place to continue this."

Noelle nodded, breathless, as Léon took her hand and led her through the darkness to a secluded spot he knew of—a quiet park bench hidden among the trees. He gently pushed her against the back of the bench, his lips crushing hers as he kicked off his shoes. Noelle felt his hands sliding under her top, caressing her soft skin, and moaned into his mouth as his thumbs grazed the underside of her full breasts.

With a swift motion, Léon lifted her top over her head, breaking away from the kiss to admire her naked breasts. He lowered his mouth to her nipples, taking one, then the other into his warm mouth, teasing them with his tongue until they peaked into hardness. She arched her back, encouraging him to take more, her hands threading through his curls.

As Léon continued his sensual assault on her breasts, his hand slipped between her thighs, finding the wet center of her desire. He rubbed her clit in slow circles, his fingers sliding easily through her slickness. Her gasps continue , her hips bucking as pleasure shot through her.

"You like that, chérie?" Léon murmured, his breath hot against her ear.

"Oui, Léon, don't stop," Noelle pleaded, her head falling back as she surrendered to the ecstasy washing over her.

Léon chuckled, the vibrations buzzing through Noelle sensitive nipple, which he was still sucking and nipping at. His fingers worked their magic, slipping inside her tight channel, thrusting slowly as he brought her closer to the edge. Noelle’s body trembled, and she cried out, her orgasm crashing over her in waves of bliss.

As her contractions slowed, Léon straightened, pressing his body against hers and capturing her mouth in a passionate kiss. Noelle could taste herself on his lips, and it sent another pulse of desire through her. She wanted him inside her, filling her completely.

"I need you, Léon," she whispered against his lips. "Please, fuck me."

Léon growled, the primal sound sending a shiver down Noelle’s spine. He lifted her, positioning her against the bench, her ass on the edge, her legs wrapped around his waist. With one smooth thrust, he slid inside her, filling her completely.

Noelle moaned, her head falling back as she enjoyed the sensation of being stretched and filled. Léon's hands gripped her hips, guiding her as he began to move, his strokes deep and purposeful. Their bodies moved in unison, the bench creaking in rhythm with their passion.

"You feel so good, Noelle ," Léon groaned, his eyes locked on hers, glittering with intense desire. "Your pussy was made for my cock."

Noelle’s walls clenched around him at his words, and she met his thrusts with her own, eager for more. "Fuck me harder, Léon," she demanded, her nails digging into his shoulders. "I want all of you."

Léon growled again, his pace quickening as he gave her what she craved. The bench rattled with the force of their passion, the slapping of their bodies filling the night air. Noelle cried out with each powerful thrust, her breasts bouncing, her head thrown back in abandon.

Léon's fingers dug into her hips as he pistoned into her, his balls slapping against her ass with each fierce thrust. Noelle felt her core tightening again, her second orgasm building as Léon's cock hit all the right spots.

"I'm close, Léon, so close," she panted, her legs tightening around him.

Léon grunted, his eyes rolling back as he teetered on the edge. With a few more powerful strokes, he sent Noelle over the brink. Her walls clamped down on him as she cried out, her body shaking with the force of her release. Léon followed, his breath catching as he spilled himself deep inside her, their juices mingling in a heated rush.

Spent, they rested, their chests heaving as they caught their breath. Léon gently extracted himself from her, his arms supporting her as they straightened. Noelle felt his cum leaking from her well-fucked pussy, a testament to their passionate encounter.

Léon pulled her into his arms, and she snuggled against him, her head on his chest. They remained like that for several moments, enjoying the afterglow of their intense coupling.

"I should probably get going," Noelle said reluctantly, knowing the night had to end eventually. "I have an early start tomorrow."

Léon nodded, his hands gently caressing her back. "I understand. But perhaps we could arrange another... meeting? There's so much more of Paris I'd love to show you."

Noelle smiled, kissing him softly. "I'd like that, Léon. Paris is even more magical than I imagined, and I think a large part of that is you."

They parted ways, their clandestine tryst a secret they would both treasure. As she made her way back to her hotel, she knew this trip to Paris would be unforgettable, and it wasn't just because of the Olympics. Léon had shown her a whole new side to the City of Love.

End.

[itiswhatitisboi]

naked in manhattan || k. ledecky

katie ledecky x swimmer!reader

summary: katie had been your teammate for the past couple olympics and didn’t notice how much you were in love with her, a friendship you cared more about losing than a race.

warnings: none x

words: 2.6k

pictures cred by sinnerjannik !

first try at writing for katie i hope it’s alright! i have a lot of exposition i feel like so maybe there’ll be a part 2, who knows!

“there she is! she’s done it! once again, she is an olympic champion! setting a new record, nobody can ever count her out!”

that was the video of the announcer’s filtering through your speakers as you watched what all your friends and family had sent you, smiling at their reaction videos texted to you.

“is that from your mom?” katie’s voice asked, leaning over your shoulder to watch your phone screen.

you peeked back at her, smiling, “yeah. her and my brothers sent me this a while ago from when i competed earlier. i’m just watching it now cause i haven’t had the time.”

“makes sense.” katie nodded. “i could recognize her squeals from anywhere.”

you laughed. “man, of course you did. she always cheered louder for you than for me during races.”

the blonde laughed along with you. “not true!” the look on your face told her all she needed to know and she conceded, “okay but if she did, i cheered so hard whenever you swam to make up for it.”

you and katie ledecky had known each other since the rio olympics, which had been your debut and her second appearance, but the both of you were only a year apart at ages 19 and 18.

while you had no particular reason to be as close as you two were, your relationship was the strongest on usa’s swim team. when you were a late decision to be added to the relay, it only seemed to make the bond stronger as katie instilled all of her confidence into you. confidence that pushed you to have your best split in the butterfly portion— your stroke.

you placed gold twice in your debut, besides additionally coming in fourth for the 200 meter butterfly race. that had bummed you out back then, until katie had reminded you of the medals you already adorned and to not dwell on missing the podium no matter how many seconds it was, which was annoying to you because it was only 0.001.

eight years later you were still on the national team, still in the conversation as a medal finalist, and most importantly of all, still best friends with katie— the woman you were madly in love with.

maybe it was all the training, the long practice sessions, the work outs that all prompted you to spend more time with a girl that went to an entirely different school than you in those four years. until you ended up spending all your time with her. maybe it was her laugh, or the sparkle in her eye when she smiled. maybe it was the way she considered you before she thought of herself and you always did the same. or maybe it was at that one celebratory party where you got a little too drunk, a little too focused on her defined muscles that you just couldn’t help from wanting to touch.

you weren’t sure when it had happened..but it had.

and for some reason, this olympics felt different than all the others. sure, maybe paris the city of love was causing you to be a little more flirty with your remarks or touchy when you joked. but you could’ve sworn that katie leaned into you more.

was it contributed to the fact that the both of you were the two oldest female swimmers there? if it were, you didn’t care.

you held onto her gaze longer than you should, you smiled wider, and you just knew that anyone with a pair of eyes could probably agree with you that there was something.. something.

but no matter, you were going to enjoy this olympic games to the fullest.

and you had been. that’s for sure.

even at 27, when people had counted both you and her out of the paris olympics for your ages because you had to have peaked, right?— katie ledecky was proving everyone wrong. how she’s a generational talent, a leader, a gold finalist, and always shattering the glass ceiling that people tried to place her under. once again.

katie ledecky was amazing— perfect, in your opinion.

you didn’t compete that day so you were watching from in the stands with some of the boys from the swim team. when she started her take in her moment of glory, you excused yourself and shimmied past to make it down to the bottom.

you squeezed through two very enthusiastic australians and waved her down as she neared. “hey! ledeckster!”

katie’s head instantly snapped in your direction and the joy on her face seemed to grow once she spotted you. she broke into a jog until she reached you. the medalist’s arms instantly wrapped around you as you leaned over the bar.

“congratulations! it was your’s all day!” you tell her excitedly. “your race, ledecky!”

you heard her lightly laugh into your ear before pulling away to look at you. her smile was the most contagious thing you’ve ever seen. “thanks. i had no idea how ahead i was.”

“it was amazing. you’re amazing, you know that? keep showing ‘em what’chu got. okay? remind the world who you are, katie.”

katie laughed and it spread warmth throughout your body. “what would i do without you?” she grabbed your hand that gripped the railing and gave it a squeeze before peeling herself away to finish the rest of the lap.

a rush of heat colored your cheeks as you smiled to yourself, making your way back to your teammates. she had no idea how much what she said and did affected you, hanging onto to every touch, every word. she had no idea what she was doing to you—but it was driving you crazy.

the next time you saw a medal around katie’s neck was when you both partook in the freestyle relay and placed first.

stepping onto the podium, you realized a hand found its way to intertwine with yours, belonging to katie. you looked at her with bright eyes to find her grin wide, just filled with so much damn joy, a sparkle twinkling in her eye, nearly matching the crest of the chlorine pool reflecting the bright lights of the stadium above.

looking at katie made your heart flutter in such a way that butterflies seemed to fill your stomach, twirling around in a way that practically mirrored your typical butterfly stroke and the way you had to turn yourself around in the water. a smile on your face blossomed to match katie’s and it made the olympian give your hand a squeeze.

you held onto the hands of your teammates on the other side of you, forming a link from an initiation made by the captain. the captain you’d follow until the rest of time, from previous olympic games to this one, and to your last, whenever that may be.

and maybe this was your last games. because you stood there, soaking in the moment of finishing the swimming events on top, beating australia in gold and all other medals. nobody could touch usa. most of that was probably contributed to the talent beside you and that was when the realization struck.. you were finally ready. the only next thing to do was to figure out how to tell katie because if anyone had to know, it would be her.

after the ceremony you were paraded around and eventually directed to a panel of journalists, with one asking the question, “you have an icon here right now, next to you.” you watch katie duck her head at the realization that his gesturing meant his words were referring to her, and you cracked a wide smile. “she’s done such amazing things. tell us, what’s it like to just be in the area with her? what does she mean to this sport?” katie raised a brow, which prompted the interviewer to comment, “katie, you can answer it if you want, too:”

“i’ll just say ‘no comment’.” she waved her hand in a cutting motion along her throat.

“let me at it,” joked ryan murphy on the other end of the panel.

“i’ll answer,” you said as you leaned forward to the mic.

you peeked besides you at a blushing katie who was studying her hands in her lap. she must’ve felt your eyes on her because she glanced at you out of the corner of her eye and her smile at you caused your heart to flutter in your chest.

“i’ve been her teammate for over a decade now and i think the way she carries herself is second to none. she’s so humble and just such a naturally good leader but even better friend and person, which makes her great to be around. she’s unbelievable, and special and easily one of the best athletes of all time for our sport. we’re lucky to have her on our team.” you finished your answer and looked at katie once more, finding a glimmer in her eyes that you couldn’t quite decipher but it made you smile anyways.

todd went on to add his own response to the question and katie leaned over, whispering, “you know, i could say the same for you. you’re incredibly, you know that? thank you.” you smiled bashfully as she straightened back up, mouthing, love ya. meant so casually, but it never was going to be, was it?

then there was attending the basketball celebration the next day after one of the team’s games, which was originally not on your to-do list. but there wasn’t much that katie couldn’t convince you to do. it was annoying how convincing she was, how passionate she could become when it came to the support of the other american athlete— especially when she knows you know much more about the sport than her and she’d be asking you questions every other possession. she would tap your leg to peel your attention away from a play and it’s like your skin was on fire from wherever she touched, deep down just wishing her contact with you would last longer, every brush of your shoulders heightening your awareness to just how close she was, and yet so far.

you stood about the various athletes, having spoken with suni lee and anthony edward’s together (what an odd duo for you to talk with, something you hadn’t imagined for yourself). because what on earth did you have in common with either of them besides the olympics? you blinked away the spots from your eyes after the bright camera flash took the picture of you three. thank god you had a drink in hand, providing you a boost and giving you social buzz because you weren’t sure how you were going to survive the night. a whole collaboration of popular athletes with so many cameras to capture every moment.

“hey,” you heard the familiar voice of katie as she appeared beside you, having vanished a while back to talk to kevin durant and a few others. “how you holding up?”

she was wearing one of the white polos ralph lauren had given team usa and man, did it look good on her. she had some of her hair tucked behind her ear, really accenting the slight curve of her bangs on the other side of her face.

the slight crease of her brow made you realize you were staring and you hastily cleared your throat, “honestly i’d say racing for a medal is easier than this.”

she closed her eyes as she laughed, the giggle sounding as smooth as honey, her head falling forward slightly. “yeah, i can agree with you there. i mean, i just talked to steph curry. like, how is that even real life right now?”

you snort. “please, says the one who’s been competing in the olympics since she was fifteen,” you tease her, watching her over the rim of your cup as you took a sip, not really pacing yourself since swimming events were done.

“that is not the same and you know it.” her embarrassed flush of her cheeks made you chuckle as she pointed an accusing finger at you in a playful manner. she gestured to the people around you, “everyone here? they are all famous stars.”

“come on,” you clicked your tongue at that. you knew she was humble and you admired and loved that about her, but sometimes it was so tiring the way she thought she didn’t match up with all the others. “don’t sell yourself short. people know the name katie ledecky.”

katie shrugged as if she was unconvinced. “if they know my name then they know yours too.”

you scoff because in your head that sounds just so ridiculous. “don’t try and flatter me, ledecky. there are twenty times more articles written about you and all the records you’ve broken, the medals you’ve won, races you’ve done. i mean, do you even know how many of these people here know exactly who you are?”

your hand motioning to the other athletes makes her look around a bit and you’re eyes lock onto her because to you, all these other olympians don’t even come close.

“you’re a generational talent, a fucking national sensation.” at this point you don’t even know what you’re saying, the words are just coming out of you. her gaze meets your own and you swear you can drown in them, the softest pair of hazel eyes you’d ever come to know. “you make the most boring race in swimming fun to watch because you’re you. you’re katie ledecky. everyone loves you because of the type of athlete and person you are, and i don’t blame them because i do too. okay? and i need you to understand all that. i need you to see just how incredible everybody else knows you are.”

“i didn’t know you thought of me like that.” katie looked at you sweetly, her smile showing just how

“of course i do,” you sighed. because i’m in love with you— “because you’re one of my best friends. i could’ve gone on and on yesterday during press when it comes to you.”

you watched her face soften at your words, probably thinking how kind they were. but they meant so much more— an inch away from more than just friends. and what were you supposed to do about that?

she tilted her head at you and flashed you a bright smile, the one you adored so much because it brought so much light to your life every time. “thank you. thank you for saying that, seriously. it means a lot to me.”

“well you mean a lot to me.” you wished you could tell her just how much she really did.

“i know.” she nodded, making you notice the way her bangs shifted with every movement. “you mean a lot to me too. i’m glad you’re here. i’m glad you chose to return for another olympics, i bet it wouldn’t be the same without you right about now.”

“duh. i knew i had to if you were coming back.” you nudged her arm— and damn was it muscular?

you wished you could keep her hand there, and dangerously your mind was wishing you could feel more of her muscles, trace them to destinations you shouldn’t be thinking about, places your thoughts shouldn’t be taking you. her frame was already so intimidating as it is, her wide shoulders so distracting, her height making you always tilt your head slightly to look up at her.

“well i hope i have you as my roommate if we’re a part of LA28,” she smiled kindly, nudging your shoulder with her own.

you chuckled nervously and swallowed hard. you had so much to tell her but how?

“katie..”

i realize this is a bit of a cliffhanger !! so don’t worry, you’ll get more katie fics soon ;)

[tracksuitlesbian]

[send-up-my-heart-to-you]

hi so this is kinda important

the olympics have started and they take place in paris this year. olympic swimmers will be racing in the seine.

what i bet you dont know is that french people used to drown north african arabs in the seine. that’s how the police responded to protests from algerians.

they had been taken from their country and taken to france to work for their colonizers. laws and curfews were imposed on them. they wanted independence. so they protested. and what was the response?

hundreds of algerians were thrown into the river. my friend’s grandfather had friends who were drowned. the official number claimed was about 30, but some historians claim it’s at least 200. it was covered up so so much and there was barely any media coverage to the point that most people wont know about it and that the deaths have never been exact. (most historians agree its much much larger than what has been claimed by the government)

and now olympic swimmers will be swimming in the same river that algerians were drowned in.

[the-cricket-chirps]

David Hockney

Olympic Games (Munich 1972)

1972

[sinnerjannik]

katie ledecky headers

like/reblog if you save x

[kalolasart]

Illustration for chapter 3 of

Silver Scorching Interdimensional Slash: the Magical Medley Relay of Doom

A Black Clover Olympic Swimming AU fanfiction written by @f-oighear and me.

Base are the French Olympic Swimmers.

[olympianhotties]

Arno Kamminga - The Netherlands - Swimming

[justbackgroundnoise]

Summer McIntosh just won her second swimming gold medal and third medal overall for Canada in these Olympic Games and she’s still only 17!!! Like okay, go off you teenage Canadian aquatic queen 👑 🥇

[sports-brain]

Daniel Wiffen 🇮🇪 2024 Olympic Champion, Olympic Record Holder & the first team Ireland Olympian to win a gold medal in swimming since 1996.

"I was writing 'I'm going into the history books', and that's exactly what I've done."

[murphysmarchand]

blud looks like a block of cheese (i love him)

[allsouls-emma]

Flicker of splashes

✧✧✧ ─ Léon Marchand X Female!Reader

Warnings: Enemies to lovers, No previous swimming knowledge!, Heated exchanges, Unrealistic time frame and settings. (let me know if i missed any x)

In the early morning light, the water of the Olympic-sized swimming pool at Arizona State University shimmered like a vast, still lake. The quiet was occasionally broken by the soft splash of a flipper or the gasp of an overeager swimmer. At the far end, a young man named Leon Marchand emerged from the locker room, his eyes scanning the area. His muscular frame was a testament to countless hours spent slicing through the water, and his focus was unyielding as he approached the starting block. Hailing from France, Leon was a new addition to the ASU swim team, known for his fierce determination and unmatched skill in the butterfly stroke.

Leon's hair was slicked back, revealing sharp features that mirrored the intensity in his gaze. He wore the standard-issue swimsuit of the ASU Sun Devils, a bold combination of maroon and gold that made him stand out against the stark blue of the pool. His teammates had already started their warm-up laps, their bodies gliding through the water in a harmonious ballet of athleticism. But Leon was not there to make friends or admire the view; he was there to win. He'd been recruited with the promise of a scholarship and the chance to prove himself on the international stage, and he wasn't about to let anyone or anything stand in his way.

Across the pool, Kate, an English swimmer with a reputation for her sharp wit and even sharper elbows, observed Leon from the corner of her eye. Her short, blonde hair bobbed in the water as she executed a perfect flip turn at the end of her lane. Kate was known for her speed in the freestyle events, and she had her sights set on breaking records. Her blue eyes narrowed slightly as she took in the newcomer's confident stride. Competition was what made her tick, and she felt a spark of excitement at the prospect of having a rival who might actually be able to push her limits.

The air was charged with the scent of chlorine and the faint aroma of coffee from the nearby cafe, where coaches and teammates chatted in hushed tones. As Leon took his place alongside Kate, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of irritation. He was good, really good, and that meant he was a threat. But Kate wasn't one to back down from a challenge. She had come to ASU to be the best, and she wasn't about to let some cocky Frenchman steal her thunder without a fight.

Their rivalry grew with every practice, every race, and every shared glance. They pushed each other, unspoken barbs passing between them like silent electric currents. Yet, beneath the surface of their hostility, there was a mutual respect, a recognition of the fire that burned in both their hearts. They were two of a kind, both driven by a passion for the sport that consumed them.

But it was during a particularly intense training session, when the tension between them reached a boiling point, that something unexpected happened. Leon's powerful kick sent a spray of water into Kate's face, and she emerged from the pool, spluttering and furious. Wiping the water from her eyes, she spun around to face him, her voice cutting through the air like a knife.

"What the hell was that?" she snapped, her British accent sharp as a tack.

Leon smirked, his own eyes glinting with mischief. "Just trying to cool you down, Kate," he said, his French accent lilting over her name in a way that made her even more irritated.

Their coach, a stoic man named Jenkins, stepped in before the situation could escalate. "Alright, you two," he barked. "Save it for the competition."

And so they did. But the seeds of something more than rivalry had been planted, and as they trained together, competed against each other, and shared their love for the water, Leon and Kate found themselves drawn into a dance of desire and challenge that neither could ignore.

The swim meet against Yale was fast approaching, and the pressure was on. The ASU team had been preparing for weeks, their bodies pushed to the brink of endurance. In the final moments before the mixed relay, Leon and Kate shared a look that was a mix of nerves and excitement. They were the anchor legs of their respective teams, and this race would be the decider. The crowd roared as the first swimmers took their marks, the air thick with anticipation.

Leon dove in, his muscles propelling him through the water with the grace of a dolphin. He took the lead early on, setting a blistering pace that seemed untouchable. Meanwhile, Kate waited on the edge of the pool, her heart pounding in her chest as she watched the race unfold. When it was her turn, she dove in with a ferocity that surprised even herself, her arms and legs moving like pistons as she chased after the Yale swimmers.

The race was tight, and as they reached the final exchange, Kate and Leon's teams were neck and neck. The tension in the air was palpable as the two swimmers reached out to touch the pads and start their final sprints. But disaster struck for ASU; a miscommunication between teammates caused a delay in the handoff, and Leon's team took the lead.

Furious, Kate slammed her fist against the side of the pool as she watched Leon pull ahead. The crowd's cheers only fueled her anger, and she turned to her team, her eyes blazing. "We can still do this," she shouted, her voice echoing through the cavernous space. "We're not going to lose because of a mistake!"

Leon heard her words, and something shifted inside of him. He knew he could win this race, but he also knew that Kate's spirit was something to be reckoned with. He pushed himself harder, his strokes becoming more powerful as he approached the final meters. But just as he was about to touch the pad and claim victory, Kate's hand shot out of the water, her fingers brushing against his ankle. It was a move that was against the rules, but in that moment, it didn't matter. The connection was electric, and for a split second, they were no longer enemies, but two athletes bound by a shared passion.

The race ended in a tie, but the real victory was the spark that had been ignited between them. In the aftermath of the meet, as the teams cooled down and the tension slowly dissipated, Kate approached Leon, her expression unreadable. "We should talk," she said, her voice low and serious.

Leon nodded, his heart racing. He knew what she meant, and he felt the same way. They had both been playing a game of cat and mouse, hiding their true feelings behind a facade of rivalry. But now, with the water still dripping from their bodies and the scent of victory and defeat mingling in the air, they could no longer deny the attraction that had been simmering beneath the surface.

In the quiet of the emptying pool area, Kate reached out and touched Leon's arm, her hand lingering there for a moment before she turned and walked away. Leon watched her go, his eyes never leaving her retreating figure. He knew that from this point on, their relationship would never be the same. The question was, could they navigate the choppy waters of love and competition without letting one drown the other?

Their conversation took place later that evening, under the warm glow of the outdoor lights that illuminated the deserted pool. The air was cool, a stark contrast to the heated emotions they had shared in the water. Kate spoke first, her voice a mix of frustration and curiosity. "Why did you do that?" she asked, referring to his actions during the race.

Leon leaned against the side of the pool, his eyes never leaving hers. "I didn't mean to win," he admitted. "I just… I wanted to feel your touch." His confession hung in the air, and for a moment, it was as if they were the only two people on Earth.

Kate's expression softened, and she took a step closer. "That was dangerous," she said, her voice quieter now. "But also incredibly thrilling."

They stood there for a moment, the unspoken understanding passing between them like an invisible current. Then, without warning, Leon reached out and pulled Kate into his arms, their wet bodies pressed together. The kiss was as fiery as their rivalry had been, a mix of passion and challenge that neither of them could resist. It was a declaration of war and a peace treaty all in one, a promise of what was to come.

As the days turned into weeks, their relationship grew in intensity. They trained harder than ever, pushing each other to new heights. Yet, there was also a tenderness that began to emerge, a gentle touch here, a shared smile there. The tension between them was no longer just about winning; it was about wanting to be the best for each other.

But as the swim season progressed, so did the stakes. The national championships were approaching, and their love story was about to face its greatest test. Would they be able to balance their newfound love with their burning desire to win? Or would their competitive spirits drive them apart just when they needed each other the most?

The night before the nationals, Kate lay in bed, her thoughts racing like a river in flood. She knew that tomorrow, she would not only be racing against the best swimmers in the country but also against Leon. She felt a strange mix of excitement and dread, knowing that she had to face her fears and her love all at once.

Leon, in his own room, felt the same. He had never wanted to win so badly and never felt so conflicted about it. Yet, as he closed his eyes, he saw Kate's face, her eyes alight with determination, and he knew that no matter what happened in the pool, she was already his champion.

The following morning, the air in the stadium was electric. The stands were packed with screaming fans, and the pool gleamed like a giant, aquatic battlefield. Kate and Leon met each other's gaze across the water, and for a moment, it was as if they were the only two people in the world. Then the starting gun fired, and they were off, their bodies moving in perfect harmony with the water.

The race was a blur of color and motion, each stroke a silent declaration of love and war. They pushed each other, challenged each other, and ultimately, it was Kate who touched the pad first, breaking the tape with a triumphant smile. But as she turned to face Leon, she saw that he was not far behind, his eyes shining with pride and admiration.

In that moment, as the crowd roared and confetti fell around them, Kate realized that she had won more than just a race. She had found someone who understood her, who knew her strengths and weaknesses, and who loved her for all of it. And as they embraced, their hearts beating in sync, she knew that no matter what the future held, they would face it together, as equals and as champions.

Their relationship grew stronger with each passing day, each practice a silent negotiation of love and competition. They learned to balance the delicate scales of their emotions, to support each other in victory and in defeat. The bond that had been forged in the heat of the pool had transcended the boundaries of the sport, becoming something deeper and more profound.

But the swimming world was not without its challenges. Jealous teammates and whispers of favoritism followed them like shadows, and the pressure to win grew heavier with each race. Yet, Leon and Kate remained steadfast, their love for each other fueling their determination to succeed. They became each other's rocks, each other's air, and each other's inspiration.

The national championships were a whirlwind of emotion and adrenaline. Medals were won and lost, records were shattered, and through it all, Leon and Kate's eyes never left each other's. They were no longer just rivals; they were partners in a dance that was both fierce and beautiful. As they stepped onto the podium together, holding hands and basking in the glow of their success, they knew that they had found something much greater than gold.

In the end, it was their shared passion for swimming that had brought them together, but it was their love for each other that made them unstoppable. They had proven to themselves and to the world that sometimes, the greatest rivalries can become the most powerful alliances. And as they looked into the horizon of their futures, they knew that no matter how rough the waters got, they would always have each other to keep them afloat.

The whispers and jealous glances from their teammates slowly faded away as Leon and Kate's bond grew stronger. They had learned to navigate the treacherous waters of their relationship, turning every challenge into an opportunity to grow. They became an unshakeable force in the swimming world, inspiring not just their peers but also those who watched them from the stands.

But it wasn't all smooth sailing. There were moments of doubt, of fear that their love would somehow taint their competitive spirits. They had to learn to separate their personal lives from their professional ones, to keep the fire of their rivalry alive without letting it consume them. It was a delicate dance, one that required trust and communication.

Yet, as they stood on the edge of the pool, their eyes locked, ready to dive into the cool water for yet another race, they knew that they had found a balance. The water was their battleground, but outside of it, they were each other's sanctuary. And as they pushed off the starting blocks and sliced through the water, their hearts pounding in unison, they swam not just for themselves, but for the love that had transformed their lives.

Their story became the stuff of legends at ASU, a tale of passion, rivalry, and love that transcended the boundaries of the pool. As they graduated and moved on to compete internationally, they carried with them the lessons they had learned from each other. They were no longer just swimmers; they were a team, a force that could not be denied.

And when the time came for them to swim in the Olympic games, the entire world watched as they glided through the water, their strokes a testament to their journey. Whether they won gold or not, they had already achieved something far greater: a love that had made them both better athletes and better people. And as they touched the wall together, their hearts swelling with pride, they knew that no matter what the scoreboard said, they had already won the race that truly mattered.

Would like to say thank you to @laeana, @scottstr3et, @sashasedah, for giving me the push to write for Léon.

[cjbolan]

Am I an asshole if I point out that most of the mermaiding community is White?

Because most people who know how to swim are White?

I've talked before about how segregated swimming means many Black/Brown people can't swim. I see that all the time as my local pool has ~0 Black/Brown swimmers. Despite being in a racially diverse neighborhood with many Black/Brown people. And as someone who enjoys water sports, I and my friends were the very few people of color present.

I'm glad mermaiding, more than any other water sport, is getting more people of color to swim.

And in light of the 2024 Olympics, many US Olympic swimmers are also making swimming more inclusive.

(Looking back on my life it's a miracle I learned to swim at all. Grew up with very limited swimming access, and with two parents who for a long time were scared of swimming.)