Since I was little I always dreamed about going to the Olympics and representing my country in the pool. I wanted to wear a swim cap with my name and the American flag on it so I could show everyone that I was truly an Olympian. Unfortunately for me, that dream ended around the age of 16 when injuries and a lack of focus got the better of me. But that's not what I'm writing about. I'm writing to all of those people I know, I have swam with, or have watched compete over my past 18 years of life. I writing to tell you how proud I am of you.

I am so proud of who you are, all the training you've done, and what you are going to accomplish and have accomplished so far in your athletic career.

I think back on all of the hours I spent driving to and from practices, the carb-o-loading nights before big meets, hotel room antics, cheering my teammates on to victory, and watching a personal best time pop up on the scoreboard. And now I know that all of those experiences have made you the athlete you are today, and makes me proud to say I know you and have been able to watch you compete to the best of your ability these past years.

Remember to soak all of this in. Every second. Every moment warming up, racing, warming down, and watching races with your friends. You are amazing. Going to Olympic Trials is a dream for so many, and I can't believe that I get the chance to watch you live your dream.

You are so worth everything you have accomplished and there is so much more greatness within you that I can't wait to watch you bring out.

Don't bring yourself down while you are competing, because no matter how well or how poorly you perform, you have proved yourself beyond so many others and you have come so far that nothing should take away the pride you have in yourself for coming as far as you have.

Now, please don't forget to send me updates, take lots of pictures, and load up on all the free stuff because you can bet that I am living vicariously through you and I will want to see/touch everything that was at Olympic Trials. I challenge you to get pictures of yourself with as many olympians as possible, and on top of that, if you can get a selfie with Michael Phelps I will pay you $50.

Congratulations once again. We are all so proud of you and we can't wait to see what you do at Trials. And don't worry, we will be watching you kick ass on TV every time they broadcast the meet!

Congratulations future Olympians!