Swimming
My Swimming Journey
Age 6 – The Beginning
I first discovered swimming at the age of six while living in Australia. At the time, my focus was simply on learning how to stay afloat, glide through the water, and build confidence. What began as basic lessons quickly became something more meaningful. The water gave me a sense of freedom and challenge, and even at a young age, I realized that swimming was a skill I wanted to keep developing.
Age 9 – Joining My First Team
When I moved to the United States, I joined ACE Swim Team at the age of nine. This was my first true introduction to competitive swimming, where I learned that success in the pool requires discipline, consistency, and resilience. Competing in swim meets, including one at Princeton University, opened my eyes to the excitement and pressure of racing on a larger stage. Each meet taught me how to set goals, manage nerves, and celebrate progress, even in small steps.
Middle Years – Growth Through Training
In the years that followed, I transitioned between several swim teams for training purposes. Each change came with new teammates, different coaching styles, and fresh challenges. While switching teams wasn’t always easy, it gave me the opportunity to adapt and to grow both as an athlete and as a person. These years taught me patience and persistence, as I pushed through difficult practices, worked on refining my technique, and steadily built my endurance.
The Pandemic Pause – A Break from Swimming
The COVID-19 pandemic brought my swimming journey to an unexpected pause. With pools closed and competitions canceled, I had to step away from a sport that had been a consistent part of my life. At first, it was frustrating, but in time, the break gave me perspective. It helped me recognize how much swimming meant to me—not just as a sport, but as a source of structure, motivation, and personal growth.
Returning to the Pool – Club Training
When I returned to the water after the pandemic, it wasn’t easy to rebuild the strength and endurance I had lost. Still, I saw this period as a chance to test my determination. Training with my club team reminded me that growth often comes through setbacks. Each practice became a lesson in resilience, showing me that what matters most is not avoiding challenges but facing them head-on.
High School Years – Representing Westtown School
Now in high school, I am proud to swim for my school team at Westtown School. Representing my school has given me a deeper appreciation for teamwork and camaraderie. While club swimming often focuses on personal performance, competing alongside classmates has shown me the importance of supporting others, celebrating team victories, and pushing one another to improve. It has made swimming not just a personal pursuit, but also a collective experience that strengthens bonds and builds community.
Today – Continuing the Journey
Swimming has been part of my life for more than a decade, shaping my character as much as my athletic ability. From my first lessons in Australia to competitions in the United States, the sport has taught me dedication, perseverance, and the value of both individual effort and teamwork. Even with challenges like changing teams or taking a break during the pandemic, I have learned that every stage of the journey carries lessons worth holding onto. Today, I continue to train and compete with the same excitement I felt as a child first entering the water, and I look forward to seeing where this journey will take me in the future.