2013 FINA World Championships!

When I was 8 years old I joined my first swim team. It was just a country club team, but I still took it very seriously and had a lot of fun every summer. In middle school I joined a year round team called Hilltoppers at the University of Denver and I later swam for my high school. I was never the best on the team but I always loved the sport and tried my best with all teams I was a part of. Including making sure I never missed a 5am practice! Unfortunately, my college didn't have a swim team so after high school my career was over. :(

My senior swimming picture

During every summer Olympics I always plant myself in front of the TV during the swimming events. My friends and family know not to bother me or attempt to change the channel when I am watching swimming. The 2012 Olympics were in London which is a cheap and quick flight from most airports in Spain. I decided on a whim that I wanted to go which lead me to buying a 700 dollar fake ticket. Luckily, I was able to get all my money back (Thanks to my amazing bank Charles Schwab!) But, I was still really disappointed that I was not able to see Michael Phelps swim professionally.

This year, I decided to treat myself and make up for not getting into the Olympics by going to the FINA World Championships which just happened to be 4 hours away from Valencia in Barcelona. My tickets were real this time which made me very happy when I was able to get into the pool with no problems.

I was able to see Ryan Lochte, Missy Franklin, Natalie Coughlin, and Katie Ledecky. As well as some championship records and world records! It was so much fun and I am so lucky that I was able to go.