Dear Swimming,

I first fell in love with you when I was three years old. You started out as aquatic therapy and soon became my passion. I'm so thankful to you because you taught me sportsmanship, responsibility along with other very important lessons throughout life. I've met the best people throughout this sport while yet having dead hair and itchy skin all because of you. You were truly my first love, and I'm eternally grateful for you.

I write this on an eve of a morning practice. You have taught me so much, and we have a love-hate relationship. You have let me travel all over, taught me life lessons, and let me represent my country on an international stage. You've given me the rush of adrenaline when I get a best time after all of the swim practices I went through. You've introduced me to my closest friends and has been there for me through everything. I wouldn't be the person I am without you.

Many tears have flowed down my face because of you. The meets or swims that did not go my way did hurt, but you showed me how to rise above it. At the same time, many smiles have happened because of you. The rush of adrenaline when I get a best time never gets old. The opportunity to meet so many people who all share the same love for swimming is always one of my favorite things about you. The feeling when you accomplish a goal you've been working on for days keeps me smiling for days.

This love letter is also a thank you letter. Thank you to my parents who drives me to countless swim practices, and meets. Thank you for being my number one supporters. Thank you to all of the coaches that pushed me to be the best version of myself, and have been always there for me. I've truly been blessed to have the best coaches I could ask for. Thank you to my teammates who are always there to build me up. I can't ask for better teammates.

And the last but not least, thank you swimming for everything.

I love you, and I wouldn't be the person I am without you.

Love,

Breanna