Every four years the world gets to see everyone come together. They come together to watch the hard work and dedication of athletes from all walks of life and from all over the world. We are treated to the Olympics. There is so much terrorism, hate and fear happening around the world but for a few weeks, we can unite as one. Growing up, I was a swimmer and it was only every four years that I got to see my sport being broadcasted to the entire world. There were many summer nights that I spent watching the Olympics way past my bedtime. Occasionally, I had to silently cheer so I didn't wake up my parents.

To me, the Olympic games are so much more than watching the greatest athletes in the world compete. The Olympics were what motivated me to get into the pool and swim ever summer. The sport that I loved growing up was bashed frequently, "that's not a real sport", "Oh, you just splash around?", "No one even cares about that sport". These are all things that I heard repeatedly throughout my swimming career. So, to me, the Olympic games are a moment of redemption, a moment of inspiration, a moment of joy. Every four years my spot is broadcasted for the entire world to watch during the primetime coverage of the Olympic Games.

I learned a lot of things watching the greats. Michael Phelps. Rebecca Soni. Missy Franklin. Ryan Lochte. Katie Ledecky. I learned that I was never going to be an Olympian because I didn't have the same level of determination that they had. I studied their strokes very closely. I learned that it's okay to not have a "perfect" stroke because everyone has a unique stroke. I was inspired to continue to work hard so I could make my team proud. Although I was not swimming for Team USA, I was driven to be the kind of teammate that they are to each other. I remember watching and re-watching the 4 x 100 Men's Freestyle relay from 2008 before every meet. A race that still sends chills down my back. I cry after every gold medal is clutched by an American swimmer. Hearing the stories about how all of these people were once swimmers just like me have worked so hard for the great sport of swimming.

So, thank you for allowing all of the world to realize how wonder swimming is. We don't just splash around. It's amazing that swimming is one of the most watched events during the Olympics and that it becomes something that countries rally around. Although my swimming career is over, I have so much respect for all of the work that each and every swimmer puts into the sport. I'm grateful that we are all given the treat of watching them in the spotlight every four years. Every four years, I will be able to relive such a special part of my life. Swimming.