My family often grew weary of my obsession with the pool and its domination of my life. I grew tired of it myself. But every summer I would get a break just long enough to remind me that I was incomplete out of the water. My swimming friends have always been the most important people to me. Any athlete can appreciate the intense bond felt between teammates who train hard, and play hard, together day after day.
Swimmers are undoubtedly the most fearless, rowdy and team-spirited athletes around.
I have committed to memory dozens of practices where I felt like I was flying. With every pull I was getting stronger. There was never a hesitation, doubt or fear that entered my mind. I will forever cherish those days. An academic victory has yet to be tantamount to those feelings, but I hope that will soon change.