I am a retired swimmer of 16 years. I retired after an injury my freshman year of college. Just recently, I went to University of West Florida's first home swim meet.

It was the first meet where I sat in the bleachers and didn't touch the water once.

It was the first swim meet where I wore actual clothes and not a swimsuit.

It was the first swim meet where I was the spectator and not the swimmer.

It was the swim meet that made me realize that I truly HATED swimming.

I hated the practices and pushing myself to the limit. But I love the self-discipline, the self-motivation, and self-perseverance I gained from the sport.

I hated getting up at 4:30 in the morning. But I love early morning sunrises I got to see every morning practice.

I hated losing by .01 seconds. But I learned good sportsmanship, that you won't win every time, and it isn't about winning all the time.

I hated being disqualified. But I learned that everyone makes mistakes and you can learn from those mistakes.

I hated when people judged me for how much I ate. But I was still fit and healthy.

I hated the tight swim suits that cut into your skin. But I loved not having to wear no clothes, especially pants. (No pants, no problem)

I hated when I had a bad race. But I learned that one bad race wouldn't affect the rest of the meet.

I hated my big shoulders and body image. But I learned to love the way I am. I learned that being strong and healthy is more beautiful than starving yourself and trying to make yourself into a cover girl of a magazine.

I hated constantly having wet hair. But I loved that I could put my hair up in a perfect bun in less than 2 seconds.

I hated the swim team gossip and drama. But I loved having that family relationship even when things weren't perfect.

I hated that my life revolved around swimming for 16 years of my life. But I am so grateful for the life lessons I have learned. I am so blessed with the friends I have made. Even friends who have become family. I am so grateful for the way the sport has shaped me into the person I am today. I love all the things swimming has done for me even though I hated the sport. Swimming is truly a sport that you will have a love-hate relationship with but in the end, you'll love the sport for what it has done for you.