Six young swimmers were named to the 2016 Olympic Team tonight. For those six swimmers, hundreds of flip turns, thousands of yards, and far too many ladder sets paid off. They can rest easy tonight knowing that they can pack their bags for Rio at the end of this weekend. For others, the Olympic Trials, being held this weekend in Omaha, Nebraska, carry different meaning. Some just barely made the cut, making this meet the pinnacle of their swimming career. Then there were those who placed third, just one spot shy of making the team. And all swimmers know that the difference between second and third can literally be one-hundredth of a second. For some, this is the final meet of their swimming career – an exclamation mark at the end of years of hard work. The excitement of the Olympic Trials has forced me to reflect on my career as a competitive swimmer yet again.

At the end of my freshman year I decided to pursue other interests and officially hang up my cap and goggles. Anyone who has left the sport of swimming knows that this is one of the most challenging decisions you can make. Becoming a retired swimmer, or "swammer," as we call it, is a huge transition. But you're not in it alone. Here are 12 things all swammers know to be true:

1. You will always share a special bond with your teammates.

Chances are you spent more time with your teammates than your family. Even though your friendships were formed during 15 second intervals between reps, you share some of you fondest memories with your teammates. They are the only people who know the pain of "fishburn" and the excitement of getting the cut you've been working so hard for. Even if you haven't seen them in years, your teammates will always hold a special place in your heart.

2. Early mornings are the absolute best.

While your classmates were hitting snooze for the first time, you had already been in the water for an hour. Many people think it's ridiculous to get up before the sun, but you know that early mornings are perfect. The air is crisp and the chlorine is at its most potent.

3. There is no better feeling than completing a set you thought was impossible.

We all know the moment. When that printed piece of paper plastered to a kick board seals your fate. "10 x 400 individual medley @ 5:30." As if long course wasn't bad enough. However, you know that the pride when you finish the set far outweighs any pain you felt during it.

4. You can go months without shaving and not feel disgusting.

You used to have to refrain from shaving for all of your competitive season, so why start shaving regularly now? Apparently some girls shave their legs every time they shower. Hilarious.

5. You have permanent and awkward tan lines.

If you were lucky enough to live somewhere where it was warm enough to practice outside then tan lines like these are not unusual. And they are permanent. I stopped swimming almost 3 years ago and I still have the faintest circle.

6. Jolyn is love, Jolyn is life.

Jolyn saved all swimmers when they released cute training bikinis. Now you can (kind of) avoid those awkward tan lines and look cute at practice. You probably still have a few Jolyn suits laying around, which is perfect for a day at the beach.

7. You'll always remember the defining moment of your swimming career.

For some, this is winning a state title. For others, it's finally getting a Sectionals cut. If you're Michael Phelps, it was probably that time you won eight gold medals at a single Olympics. No matter what the moment is, it defined you as an athlete and is probably one of your proudest memories.

8. The water still feels like home.

No matter how long it has been since you last swam, you know the second you dive in the pool you feel right at home. You get an adrenaline high and could swim for hours, even if you're completely out of practice. There is no better place than the pool.

9. Ryan Lochte is a demigod.

I don't care who you are. All swammers know that they would agree to be both Ryan Lochte's best friend and lover.

10. Working out for just an hour a day doesn't seem like enough.

After spending nearly five hours a day at the pool, an hour on the elliptical just doesn't cut it. You know that to feel truly satisfied with a work out you need to be drenched in sweat. Or maybe drenched in water? I don't know, just a thought.

11. You have enough caps, goggles, and swimsuits to be considered a hoarder.

You probably have near 100 pairs of goggles that you obviously can't get rid of. They are practically a part of you. I mean, I even have a scar on my nose from where my goggles used to sit. Your equipment is like your first born child and you definitely can't give it up.

12. Finally, you are forever grateful for the experiences you had swimming.

Swimming can be a very challenging and cut throat sport. You literally stare at a black line on the bottom of a pool for hours a day. You always smell like chlorine and your hair is wet in every picture ever taken of you but you wouldn't give it up for anything. Swimming has allowed you to foster some of your best friendships. It has taught you to be hardworking and to rely on yourself. After all, at the end of the day it is just you and the clock. Swimming gave you an outlet; you knew that no matter how bad your day was, a couple hours at the pool would solve any problem. You are thankful for what this amazing sport has given you – memories, discipline, and the ability to win any breath-holding contest ever.