Today we celebrate Girls & Women in Sports.
Today is a day where according to the Women’s Sports Foundation we —
Recognize student-athletes, champion athletes, coaches, administrators, and lawmakers committed to providing equitable access to sports for all girls and women.
Today is a day of reflection and (re)commitment. Today I think back on my 13 years of competitive swimming — I think of the roads traveled to meets, the countless pools I swam in, the amazing women I raced against, the supportive teams who loved me through my best races and my worst, and the women who coached and mentored me as an athlete.
I look at pictures like this —
And am reminded that strength is beautiful.
Swimming has taught me and given me so much — I learned so much about setting and achieving goals, failing, hard work, and teamwork (to name a few things). And while the records1 and accolades were amazing, what I have come to cherish most about my time as a swimmer and (wannabe) coach are the people. The women I have had the honor to train with, compete against, and coach are my inspirations. They have filled my life with happiness, cherished memories, and life-long friendships.
I am proud to be part of a legacy of amazing women athletes. The women highlighted on this pass-down parka are just a few of the amazing women.
Today we celebrate all that is fantastic about women's sports. And we are mindful of those who paved the way for athletes like me.
Cheers — to all the women athletes out there and all the glass ceilings we can shatter together.
Happy National Women & Girls Sports Day.
I do believe I still hold one high school record from 1995 in the 400 freestyle relay, but the rest of my records have been broken