Watching the Olympic Trials this week has brought back so many wonderful memories from my trip to Omaha in 2012. Sometimes in life you have to try many different things and step away from something to realize how much you really love something. I love running and ran varsity xc and track all through high school. I even began my freshman year as a D1 XC athlete. For me it has been a journey of self-discovery that has lead me back to the sport I began when I was six...swimming. I've been missing swimming laps and being in the pool. Being away from swimming, I have realized makes me feel like a fish out of water, so I try and find places to swim, even the ocean suits me.
Swimming was my first sport and it taught me to never give up on the impossible. I learned these values from the coaches and swimmers of North Baltimore Aquatic Club. Most of our childhood was spent swimming, traveling to meets and the OTC, early morning and late night practices, and I wouldn't change a thing. Nothing in life is easy and there will always be obstacles and challenges that may come your way. While NBAC taught me discipline, persistence, and dedication, it gave me the sport that I will do in future years to come. Whether you are just getting started or have been doing it for years, swimming is a lifetime sport and I encourage everyone to go out there and do some laps. There is nothing like it!
I joined Club Swimming at my University and although the pandemic affected our practices and meets, I am so excited for the Fall. I have been swimming more lately in hopes that we will be having meets. Why not build my endurance up and train now?!
The swimming Olympic Trials are being held this whole week. I have been watching some absolutely close and fast races: Chase Kalisz winning the 400 IM, Michael Andrew smashing the American Record in the 100 Breaststroke, Katie Ledecky hitting every lap with incredible power, and Regan Smith achieving her childhood dream in the 100 Back. It has been quite a week so far!
I am so excited for tonight as it is the 200 Butterfly Final, as that was my favorite event to swim when I was a competitive swimmer at the North Baltimore Aquatic Club. It was so great to see that Michael Phelps is in the stands with his family cheering on the swimmers and even commentating.
Below are some photos from Olympic Trials in 2012 when I went with my family on a road trip to Omaha for the Olympic Trials and supported my teammates, including at that time Michael Phelps.
Life is a journey and that is what makes life interesting!
After swimming some laps yesterday, I took some pictures of the Olympic wall at Meadowbrook, home to some Olympic athletes, to name a few: Michael Phelps, Allison Schmitt, Chase Kalisz, Becca Meyers, Jessica Long, Beth Botsford, Ian Silverman, Cierra Runge, and so many more.
I love this pool. I basically grew up here and I am so glad to be back at it. It was great to see some of my past teammates around the pool too!
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