You are my best friend for life. From when I was five years old until now – for 23 years – you are by my side. You give me purpose in life, helping me find my self-confidence, and taught me about true, full-hearted friendships. Looking back at the journey, we had our ups and downs, but as many tears as you brought me, as many cheers we had as well. Triathlon, you are not just a sport, you are my emotion, my balance, my motivation, and my expression.
The ability to show emotions is important at every age, from a playful little child to a changing teenager. Triathlon was always my place to let out my anger, my frustration, but also my happiness, and all the energy that was bundled up all day long. It gave me the self-confidence to raise my voice, to stand up for my own opinions and learn values and developed traits for my life journey.
Triathlon, you balanced the social expectations like juggle balls in the air. Our social responsibility has many expectations that must be fulfilled. For example, succeeding in the classroom, being a role model in the friend group, building healthy relationships with the family, and creating a strong business network. However, these are just a couple social norms. Triathlon has always been the calming connection between these high expectations.
Triathlon has also taught me to focus on a specific task. Being fully present in the moment makes the process so much more worthwhile. The drive to get better, trusting the process and seeing the growth I can achieve through hard work has inspired me enormously. Knowing this helps me get up every morning to become a better person.
Triathlon, thank you for lifting me up and for helping me become a curious, caring, and positive minded young lady. I will always be thankful for the patience and guidance you consistently give me in life.