FREESTYLE FOR MICHAEL

When 12-year-old Michael Brown, encouraged by his experienced cousin, tries out for the Swim Club, he is surprised when he passes the test. He discovers after the first practice that he faces stiff competition. His extreme jealousy of Pete, an outstanding swimmer, causes Mike to push Pete's sister Kathy off the diving board. He covers up his act of anger, and when Pete punches him, Pete is kicked out of the club. Everyone in the club knows the truth, and Michael is subjected to a club-wide old shoulder. Burdened by a troubled conscience, his swimming suffers. Eventually he tells the coach his story; Pete, is reinstated and Mike is permitted to stay on. A victory over the toughest rival team follows, but this is not enough. Mike outraces Pete to save Kathy from drowning in a lake. The standard unrealistic conclusions plus mediocre writing add up to a sinking story which cannot be saved.