On the return to “desk -life” from the “deck-life” after a week in Irvine, CA, watching US Swimming Nationals, I reflected on five life-long and valued lessons that swimming has imparted to me.
Friendship and community are essential
Swimming friends are lifelong friends. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t seen one another in six months or six years, some things never change. The unchangeable bonds include the underlying sense of understanding and support that swimming friends provide, regardless of triumphs or challenges. I had amazing conversations and received heartfelt hugs from heroes, who inspire me in spite of – or because of – their trials. To know that they may struggle with practices, deal with injuries, or wrestle with coaching difficulties, and still rely on deep strength to celebrate the success of others, tells me that swimming friendships stay strong over time and distance.
Teamwork makes the dream work
My former team, Louisville, had 1 athlete at Nationals ten years ago, and this year, they brought a full team of athletes, both men and women, to the 2018 championships. Teamwork in the real world is the same as teamwork in swimming; everyone plays a different role. Someone is a sprinter, another person represents the distance group, and together the positive outcome is undeniably sweet. I enjoyed watching a group of people clearly working toward one common goal, including the coaches, support staff and family members. Sometimes team members are not in the spotlight but they’re still there for the good of the team. I love nothing more than watching some of the athletes I coached become great coaches in their own right and lead their team to success.
Where there’s a will, there’s a way
I witnessed some thrilling comebacks this week. Micah Lawrence Sumrall and Allison Schmitt are two women who…
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