Scottie's swimming hopes

Can a bathing costume be too tight? A farang friend from my teenage years was a freestyle swimmer with national-championship, if not Olympic aspirations.

Scottie used to practise in specially-designed, paper-thin swimwear, designed so as not to retard his speed while ploughing through the pool.

This was 30 years ago, before the advent of the sleek Nasa-designed stuff they wear these days.

Needless to say, he also shaved his body hair, as that too could cause 'drag' (speed resistance): his legs, head, and under-arms were bare. For him, the stop-watch was always ticking away.

I saw Scottie perform at school swimming meets, though he would train most mornings before class.

He was good, needless to say...or as young ones put it these days, 'He was good...VERY good.'

I don't know what became of Scottie, unfortunately, as I moved to another country.

We moved far away...VERY far.

Scottie was one of my school year's most popular athletes, and one of the best-looking lads too.

His Mum and Dad drove him to succeed. Scottie, whom some thought was gay, had little free time to himself.

I never told Scottie, but I don't like what athletes do to themselves in pursuit of sporting glory. Hair? Let it grow!

Bathing costumes? Leave them off!

PS: I haven't seen Scottie in years. The model above is someone else.