Its the most popular time of year for swimming. Swimming is only mainly watched when it is in the Olympics, which is every four years. So to many, swimming is only a thing they think about for focus on every four years, when it is one of the most broadcasted sports. But to me swimming is so much more.

Swimming to me means:

1. An outlet to let out my frustrations.

2. A place for laughter.

3. A place for friends.

Swimming is more than just a sport to me. Swimming is a lifestyle.

1. Swimming makes you a little bit more outgoing.

2. Swimming can drive you crazy, but over all it is just how it is.

3. Swimming becomes your life, but you will enjoy every second of it.

4. Swimming will become a place where you can channel your inner self, you can become you.

Without swimming, there is no way that I wold have all the friends that I have.

5. With friends, they get you through the not so good days.

6. With friends, they see the best in you even at 5 a.m.

7. With friends, they see how hard you work and then see you through the best times at meets.

8. With friends, you find so many things to laugh at, and a family with your team.

9. Friends become a reason that you look forward to going to practice.

Swimming teaches you to time manage and be dedicated to many things.

So with the swim boom that happens every four years about to occur. I wanted to say something to the ones that might think about joining this wonderful sport.

Do it!

Swimming is totally worth it. It will be hard in the beginning; however, it will be so rewarding in the end.

Even though it will be hard. Go to those practices even if you do not feel like it. Go to those practices to spend time with your friends. Go to those practices to talk to your coaches. When you keep going, things will become easier, it will become something you enjoy. When it becomes something that you can't live without, you will get faster. Make friends, you will need them. Swim with people that you can get along with, not people that annoy you constantly.

Basically, while you sit and watch swimming all week. Just remember the ones who love and live the sport day in and day out. For the love of the sport, respect the ones who know what they are talking about!