Water polo
I come from a sea town so it was only natural that I should learn to swim. My mother signed me up for free swimming lessons when I was 8. I spent one year learning how to swim when suddenly my coach gave me a ball and told me to pass it to the other swimmers in the pool. They, just like me, had no idea what was going on at that moment. Later on I found myself under the crossbar, and never changed positions since then.
Ten years later I still go to the same pool every day and spend time with the same people with whom I had my first swimming lessons. Ten years is a long period of time to be involved in the same activity but I can proudly say it has never been boring for me. The unpredictability of the game, the competition, and the team spirit are all major reasons why I find water polo so special.
Thanks to my willingness to constantly improve, my motivation to contribute to my team’s success, and my love for the game, I was able to get a spot on the Bulgarian National Junior Water Polo Team as a goalkeeper. I have been representing my country since 2019. In 2019, 2020, and 2021 I played for the Bulgarian National Junior Water Polo Team for boys born in 2004. In 2022 I represented my country as being part of the team for boys born in 2003.
My coaches and my teammates have always known me for pushing my limits in the pool. I constantly look for ways to improve my game, my swimming technique, and my playing style. Water polo has taught me how to develop, change, or unlearn habits, which has helped me both in and outside the pool.
I have never neglected the physical aspect of the game. My father used to advise me every day to do push-ups, pull-ups, and crunches. Obviously, I do not need his constant reminders anymore. Improving my physical condition is now an integral part of my life.
However, being a water polo player does not involve only competing. Being friends with my opponents outside the pool is essential to me. Making friends while on competitions abroad is a special opportunity I take advantage of.
Apart from training hard every day, I also love to coach the younger goalkeepers and help them improve their game. They look up to me and are always eager to listen to me when I give them advice as a national player. I highly value the opportunity to use my expertise to help others become even better at the game.
In conclusion, without water polo I would not be the person I am today. Certainly, I would not have been so successful in my activities if it were not for the qualities water polo fostered in me. My character has been greatly shaped by this extraordinary sport. I have never thought of giving it up. I hope I find a great college team to play for during my education in the US.
