I am from the smell of chlorine, permanently stamped on my skin
From the almost unbearable tightness of the racing suit
From the blasting music
From the bone chilling water that we always swear isn’t heated.
I am from Coach Mike’s crazy conspiracy theories
From “don’t give me your problems, give me your solutions”
From “GET IN!”
From the laughter among the team.
I am from the screaming Christmas songs in the locker rooms
From frisbee on Fridays
From the way too, physical games because everyone is too competitive
From the strange racing strategies.
I am from the 6 am Saturday morning practices
From the “I’m way too tired to function”
From the hope that we can play “tournament Tuesday”
From the water that seems to be waving us in
I am from screaming after a good race
From the beyond, exhilarating feeling of going a best time
From racing so hard, you can’t walk
From putting your heart on the line for the one sport that still makes you happy
I am from swimming
