I have been swimming competitively since I was 13 years old. After Covid restrictions were lifted in early 2021, I started to devote myself more to swimming. Since then I have learned quite a few lessons and skills that not only apply to swimming, but in other areas of my life as well. I have had the chance to develop personal skills as part of a swim team, such as being timely and accountable. These skills I also carry over to my classes and academic after-curricular activities. I have to consistently come to practice on time and prepared to train to the best of my abilities. During practice, I always compare myself to my faster teammates, trying to learn and copy them so that I can improve. We pressure each other to swim faster, but in a friendly team dynamic. When competing, I put 110% effort into every race I have. A while ago, I had an experience in which I had multiple races back to back, resulting in my last race being the worst race I have ever swam. While talking to my coach after the race, he let me know that I am swimming for the team and not just for myself. That experience taught me that almost all of my performances are for my team and teammates, which I gives me incentive to train harder and swim faster. Being on a swim team and participating in competitions has taught me lessons and skills I do not think I would have learned in other sports.
Thank you for your consideration of my academic and swimming record.