I think the author wants readers to understand that what was lost in "The Swimming Contest" was not just the actual race itself, but also the larger themes of friendship, sportsmanship, and integrity. The word “losers” serves as a reminder that winning isn't everything and that the true value of the contest lies in the relationships and lessons learned along the way. It highlights the importance of being gracious in both victory and defeat, and that losing can still bring about personal growth and valuable experiences.
