On Thursday I was just watching the end of the Olympics in bed and then came on 9news. All of the sudden there you were crying in an interview on my TV screen and it broke my heart so I decided to use this platform to tell you a couple things.

I was fortunate enough to be able to spend all four years of high school with you, in fact I think you were the first person I ever met at Regis. Your infectious smile and bright soul is so hard to stay away from. Watching your Olympic journey has truly been a privilege. From hearing you talk about Olympic training to watching you slay in London and who could forget the assembly for you so all your Regis sisters could share in your medal delight.

Here we are four years later. I haven’t talked to you since graduation and many of us from high school, including myself, have all gone our separate ways and our living our own lives. However, I still follow your swimming career and get warm in the heart to see you in Rio. Whether I knew you or not I’d still be a fan and I can tell you that I’m not the only one who still supports you 100%. I see the posts our former classmates post for you and it’s obvious how proud they are of you too.

When you were crying on my television set it was because you were afraid you had let people down. I’m not going to lie, I started crying when you said that. I had always seen you as Missy Franklin, my classmate who swam because it was truly what her heart wanted and I never even thought of the pressure you may be experiencing. I am here to tell you that you could never let me down and I’m pretty sure I am not the only one who feels that way.

http://www.speakerscorner.me/missy-franklin-hot/

Regis, your sisters and brothers, your fans, myself, we don’t post things for you or get excited about you or are even proud of you because you’ve won a couple medals at the Olympics or because you are on a whole new level of great at swimmer. Yes, that’s great, but we love you and are proud of you because of the woman you are. You are a bright light! People can’t help but notice the sunshine you put out in the world. You are the most positive and humble individual I have ever met. People aren’t joking when they say you are a perfect example of what young girls, and even boys for that matter, should look up to. But most of all Missy, your constant faith is impeccable. No matter what you have faced you still always give it up to God and many people can’t do that.

So always know that no matter your swimming accomplishments, as long as you stay the fantastic person that you are, you will have not let anyone down. I promise you that. Just don’t give up and don’t worry about “us”. I can’t wait to see what you still have in you, I’ll be right there as well as many others. I can’t wait to continue to watch your journey no matter where it takes you. I will always be proud to know Missy Franklin, not the Olympic swimmer, but Missy Franklin the person.