05/09/2024
This week marks a precious moment in my career that I finished my first world cup, having swum in all Team events. This was the first time in over 20 years. Once again, I realize the gifts Artistic Swimming continues to give my life. There are so many wonderful reflections I take away from this competition to help me learn, grow, and become a better athlete, coach, and person. Although parts were difficult, terrifying, and even disappointing, I was given an opportunity that no one can ever take away from me. I swam in the 2024 PARIS OLYMPIC GAMES POOL!!! I cannot thank World Aquatics, United States Artistic Swimming, my first coaches Dee and Laurie, and my current coaches, Andrea, Lara, Megan, Hiea-Yoon, and Victor for taking the risk to swim me. Of course, thank you to Chris and my beloved club, the Santa Clara Artistic Swimming Club for continuing to support me on this journey, while I am away. ….All the smiles, messages from my friends, family, audience, and social media friends truly gave my strength. ..and OF COURSE my heroes, my teammates…You are the strongest army and the ones that will never stop fighting for our team. You are the greatest team in the world and the reason my smile grows with every breath I take.
I continue to dream and am afraid that one day I will wake up. However, I realize that’s impossible. The memories and the opportunities Artistic Swimming has given me are mine to hold dear, for the rest of my life and will only carry on forever.
After competing at the world cup I see it’s such a beautiful and undeniably momentous time for our sport. We have new rules, new events, new challenges, and of course very dear to my heart… more participation and more inclusion of men competing in the sport. As I reflect back at my career, the athletes that I have seen, and the wonderful experiences, there has been an athlete that has been at all of my world Championships, competitions and camps all of the world, and has undeniably helped with the growth of the sport. Over 20 years ago, I met an incredible young kid (who was about 6 or 7) that would someday become a champion ..a WORLD CHAMPION, and also a champion for the sport, and for inclusion.