I've always questioned myself during trainings when I feel like I'm about to drown: why do I swim? This year, I got a golden chance of competing as one of the future swimming captains. I swore to myself that if I did not get the position, I would just slack off in trainings, ignore the coaches, and naturally do my worst at competitions. I lost, by one vote.
A lot of times I desperately want to quit swimming. Why would I want to be involved in the most tedious and boring sport, experience aching cramps, and develop a masculine body shape? Yet however much I hate swimming sometimes, I could never imagine my life without it.
Swimming is not just a sport; it's a part of my life- it is art! Although I swim countless laps every training, every movement, every swirl and twirl, is unique. Believe me or not, the prettier my stroke is, the faster I am. As I touch the water and glide through it, I feel the freedom that can't be experienced in other ways. I am a good swimmer, but without the typical body, I know that I can never be a great swimmer. Yes, I like the attention I get when I lead my heat, and I like it even more when I occasionally; but what I like most is the way I can express myself through swimming.
And now, I think it's safe to say: I actually, really, truly, love swimming.
