Its been a while since Ive conveyed them in this forum, but inevitably my thoughts always seem to be with or return to friends and family. Whats going on with them now? How do the bonds we share(d) impact my decisions and passions? How, when, where, why did they impact my character? And how can I impart what Ive been blessed to learn to others that I meet along the way?
The amazing thing about this sport is its ability to create such a widespread and close-knit community through the stress of competition, discipline of practice, and the respect forged along the path.
A community that doesnt worry about what your 100 IM time is or was, where you store your Olympic gold medal, or where your wife has hidden your gaudy gold diamond encrusted NCAA national championship ring. It will leave it to those outside of the sport to attempt to define and in turn limit oneself with trophies and times. Instead I encouarge you to let them see your character…and endeavor to be a part of this community.