Personal Narrative: How Swimming Changed My Life

“Take your marks. GO!” I leap from the starting blocks and into the chilling water holding a streamline until I begin my underwater pullout. As the race continues I push myself harder and harder as I begin to fatigue until I finish. Looking up at the clock I think to myself, I need to go faster, I can go faster, I will go faster. I hop out of the water and take my spot in line behind my teammates, preparing for the second of six 100 yard breaststroke sprints from the blocks. From each team, BGSC to PAA to LOSC I have forged friendships and emotional bonds with my teammates found almost nowhere else in my life; which is bound to happen after training, competing, talking, laughing, and spending twenty plus hours a week with each other, The only
Before joining my first swim club team in 2013 my physical activity was low to say the least, but competitive swimming turned that around completely. My training began with eight hours a week, but by the end of the year it would increase to twenty or more, depending on whether or not we were tapering or had a meet that week. The intense training regimen I was placed on was a great outlet for stress and a new avenue for personal growth. Swimming taught me commitment and how to set, prepare for, and achieve my goals in and out of the water. Being part of a competitive team as well as training as an athlete improved every aspect of my life; social, physical, intellectual, and emotional. At each team I have trained with, there have always been coaches that help me grow as a person and a swimmer. Each of my coaches created an environment that caused my love for swimming to grow, something which I did not think was possible. They have always been there when I needed help with my stroke, or when I was upset over a bad swim. From setting goals for the season to working on my stroke my coaches are always there to push me in and out of the