Only one swimmer from the De Anza College swim team competed at the state meet held in East Los Angeles from May 3 to May 6. Athlete Darren Chan swam: the 200 breaststroke winning a gold medal, the 100 breaststroke, winning a silver medal and the 200 individual medley winning a bronze medal.

“I wasn’t able to get any best time but I was still proud of my performance considering the amount of stress level and pressure I was under, especially since I was the only swimmer representing De Anza College, so I felt a bit lonely,” said Chan.

Chan was able to win multiple medals at the State Level Championship because he didn’t give in to the worries, and focused on the competition and the events he was participating in.

He said he was extremely excited about this experience to State Levels Championship because he got to compete against tough competitors, show off his skills and witness the joy of victory.

“This was my last season, so I was happy about that, and also seeing others enjoying their victories and the levels of stress going away made it more worthwhile,” Chan said.

Chan said he didn’t face many difficulties, but he had a few problems with the pool being cold, which slowed him down since he wasn’t used to swimming in cold water.

“I did have a hard time in the 200 Individual Medley,” Chan said. “I had a difficult time finishing the last 50 yards. I finished in third place because the guy ahead of me out-touched me in the last two yards.

Despite the pressure and stress, Chan said he enjoyed every event at the State Level Championship. His favorite event was 200 breaststroke because he felt in control of the event.

For more information on Chan go to: http://wp.me/p4eLNV-4gsi