The context of the following conversation is Bailey learnt to swim then they worked really hard to learn all the different strokes in swimming and become expert at them.:
Bailey says I can see you are a good swimmer..
The friend responds I am a novice, but you are an expert in swimming..
Bailey responds It was not easy in the beginning. I spent hours and hours learning swimming. Then, I trained very hard to perfect different strokes.
The friend responds All that hard work has paid off. You are now an expert..
Bailey responds I am also happy that I didn't give up but kept trying to reach this stage..
The friend responds I am happy for you..