Mike is dealing with change on a number of levels at the start of the novel. He is dealing with the stress of dealing with a new life as he and his mother have moved to Sydney from Melbourne. Mike's father is in the Navy and, as a consequence of that, is not always around.
The story also begins with Mike coming to terms with the death of his beloved pet dog and he is also starting at a new school. At school Mike has to put up with frequent bullying from Shane Thomas (Shane the Pain).
Shane is a swimmer and is bigger than most of the other kids but not very smart. Mike can't see how he can use this without getting beaten up even more.
Mike decides to beat Shane another way, in the pool, swimming his way to the top and getting the better of the bully that way.
Mike meets and becomes friendly with an elderly, Dutch lady, Riny, around this time. She has an interesting past, and a secret, but she helps him with his training until the day finally comes for the boys challenge race. It is a two-horse race between Mike and Shane.
As the story progresses Mike's character learns a lot about himself and about winning. He adapts to his new life, makes new friends and he also starts to understand, although not like, Shane. ( )