confidence and anxiety

Question
My question is along the same lines as the last person.  My daughter is 8 and
swimming in summer league, after swimming on a USA team this winter.  She
loves swimming, but has focussed on making the state competition. We've
only had two meets and she has improved substantially from last year, but
has not qualified for the state meet.  She was in tears towards the end of  the
meet today. She is very close to qualifying, but we have emphasized having
fun, her continued improvement from last year, and that there are lots of
meets until the state meet at the end of July.  I am also worried that this will
look like poor sportsmanship to her teammates and coach.  She did not have
these issues in the winter, but it may be due to being a supposed better
swimmer in the summer league.

Pam

Answer
Pam--
Don't worry, you're doing exactly the right things.  Let her know to not get upset about qualifying, it's not life or death(even though it seems like it at 8).  Keep emphasizing the fun aspect.
Don't worry about her looking unsportsmanlike, she's disappointed and most people understand, talk to her coach, let him know what's going on and he might be some help too.
Best of luck,
George