To the athlete who…

had a season that didn’t go as planned.

had a season that went above and beyond expectations.

ran their last race, swam their last lap, or played their last match or game.

has one season or more left.

who has poured out their heart and soul,

and has dedicated a countless amount of hours to practicing, lifting, swimming, running, perfecting...

but

wasn’t in the right place mentally.

wasn’t in the right place physically.

battled an injury.

fought an illness.

had others bring them down.

struggled to get back up.

was told “you can’t” or “you won’t”.

was way too stressed.

didn’t meet expectations.

had more left in the tank.

wasn't happy.

is still figuring it out.

or

had a breakout performance.

reached a personal best.

defied the odds.

gave everything left.

proved someone wrong.

made sacrifices.

did it for the team.

did it for themselves.

wanted more.

worked before the sun came up.

worked until the sun went down.

bled, cried, sweat, and pushed.

loves the sport.

hates the sport.

needs the sport.

is the person they are because of the sport.

had their life changed,

and changed for the better.

Just know that...

you will always be an athlete.

it's okay to be proud,

but it's better to be humble.

a setback is temporary,

and so is pain.

there's always room to grow,

and there's always tomorrow,

but don't underestimate today.

Because, today, you're not the same person that you were yesterday.

And who you were yesterday,

is your only competition.