This wasn’t how I expected to leave you. I planned to compete for one last time before I finally hung up my cap and goggles. But that is the funny thing about plans, they never actually go as planned. It is hard for me to find the right words. I honestly can’t sum up our 20-year relationship in a couple of sentences or even a couple of pages, but I am going to give it my best shot.
Thank you for making me confident into the person I am today. With over two decades of swimming, I experienced all of the highs and all of the lows this sport has to offer. You allowed me to be comfortable with pushing myself out of my comfort zone and reach new heights in the sport. Although I failed on numerous occasions, you gave me the opportunity to learn from those failures and move on to the next challenge. You taught me it was okay to be a strong female leader in the world of sports. Finding my self-confidence through you has allowed me to thrive in so many other aspects, and I can’t thank you enough for that.
Thank you for surrounding me with some of the highest achieving and genuine people this world has to offer. When I look back at my swimming career, I couldn’t tell you all my times or what I did at every practice. Instead, I remember the stories, the laughs and the memories made with my teammates. From the practices before sunrise to overnight bus trips, you made my teammates into some of my best friends. I know the friendships I made through you will be with me for the rest of my life.
Thank you for teaching me not to take life so seriously. It is easy to get caught up in personal records and winning, but that is such a small portion of athletics. You made me realize life is much more enjoyable when you are having fun with the people around you. I value all the lessons you taught me over the years, but I hold this one close to my heart.
No matter where I go or what I am doing in life, please know that you’ll always be a part of who I am. Thank you for everything, swimming.