Hello folks who wonder if the advice to keep moving forward in life might not be applicable to crabs,
Every four years during the Olympics, swimmers burst from obscurity into the spotlight, becoming household names overnight. But the moment the closing ceremony ends, they vanish from public view just as quickly.
During the four years between Olympics, these athletes continue their relentless routine. They're still at the pool before dawn, training as intensely as ever like it's their full-time job. Meanwhile, most of us can't even remember their names long enough to search for them online.
The athletes' dedication never wavers between Olympic cycles. Our attention span, unfortunately, does.
While the Olympics draw crowds for swimming and track & field, I eagerly await a different kind of spectacle right here in the Bay Area – one that merges two Olympic feats: swimming and the steeplechase. In this post, we'll witness the upstream journey and incredible jumps of Chinook Salmon as they return to San Jose's creeks to spawn. Get ready to judge their leaps on height, style, and sheer effort! I have covered about Salmon and why they make this journey every year in a post titled The lord giveth and the humans helpth.
Let’s welcome our first contestant. Whenever you’re ready… the contestant inhales deeply and…
Height: 4/10
Style: 3/10
Effort: 4/10
A deeply disappointing and poorly committed attempt. From the outset, this jump is doomed. The launch is timid, suggesting the contestant either misjudged the current or lacked the confidence to fully engage. It fails to generate any meaningful height or power, resulting in a weak collision with the base of the whitewater. This performance shows a complete lack of conviction and was never a serious challenge to the obstacle. A total tactical and physical failure.
And now time for contestant # 2.
Height: 5/10
Style: 4/10
Effort: 8/10
This is a bar fight. There is zero elegance here; this is an effort with sheer, bloody-minded determination alone. The salmon is immediately caught in the current and must thrash wildly to secure its position. It's an inefficient, exhausting, and technically ugly jump. It is a testament to the fact that sometimes, pure will and a refusal to fail can overcome a complete lack of finesse.
Contestant # 3, it's your turn.
Height: 7/10
Style: 6/10
Effort: 9/10
Here we see a contestant who understands the assignment completely. This jump is not about flash; it's about efficiency. The launch is controlled and powerful, and the arc is calculated—just high enough to clear the danger. The true brilliance of this attempt is the landing. The salmon has clearly targeted the darker, calmer water a full body length past the turbulent crest. By landing here, it completely bypasses the backwash that defeated the previous competitor.
I hope you come prepared Contestant # 4, the bar is pretty high now.
Height: 4/10
Style: 5/10
Effort: 3/10
This attempt fails right from the start. The launch is hesitant and lacks the explosive power it needs. The fish’s lunge is half-hearted, without any real commitment, so it follows a low, weak arc that can’t succeed.
And last but not the least Contestant # 5, your time is up. Step forward...Oops! I meant leap forward.
Height: 8/10
Style: 9/10
Effort: 10/10
This is the definitive, dominant performance of the day. It is a spectacle of absolute physical superiority and flawless planning. The launch is a phenomenal release of coiled power. The fish doesn't just clear the obstacle; it soars, achieving a majestic height that puts it far above the spray and turbulence. Its silhouette against the whitewater is a picture of mastery.
Here is a look at the jump from another angle.
And below are the winners with their medals.
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