“You shouldn’t give up the only thing you’re known for,” my mother said with disagreement in her eyes as I voiced my opinion on fully giving up on swimming. 14-year-old me has never felt so distraught than that fateful day because what sane person would exchange the comfort of living life as everyone else is; albeit a bit too uneventful for me, from the daily grind and emotional turmoil you have to experience just to be the best at your game.

With each year I’ve spent continuing the sport, my parents had unconsciously instilled into me values that I would carry for a lifetime.

Every time I waited by the ready benches, preparing for my event, I was already placing my faith in Him, and each competition that passed only reinforced our bond. Nonstop training taught me patience, and striving to maintain my body's overall wellness taught me discipline. Swimming showed me how to overcome obstacles, cope with setbacks, and remain humble. I acknowledged that I don’t have to like what I do best at all times and am permitted to harbor ill feelings towards it sometimes. My fear of getting surpassed was genuine and it led to self-doubt, which was one of the main reasons for my departure from the sport.