Abdullah Salman '23 Recruiting Profile

I learned the hard way that only with persistence and consistency can something be achieved.I was only 8 years old when my father threw me in the pool,sending cold water up my nose and into my veins.Be it early morning drills or the late-night sprints, I swam,dedicated towards excellence.I felt the water pulling me to my destination.

4 years later,my journey to the podium at nationals looked impossible.The 2016 regionals were held to select the top 2 to compete with provinces in the nationals. The underdog in the 50m freestyle,I leap and try to hold my breath throughout.

Just as I am about to give up,my arms involuntarily pierce through the water above my head and thrust me forward.When my mind has given up,my body reacts.Principles of swimming carefully and lovingly placed in the depths of my heart through my father’s swimming lessons jump into action.His snuggly embrace after a long day at the office keeps my core warm amid numbing temperatures.I win the gold medal.