Zach Andersen

As far back as I can think, I took to the water. Swimming defined an exciting part of my life, but it didn’t always. I began my first team when I was four years old and while pleasing, I remember this team very little. I continued this journey on various teams until eventually sticking with Swim Atlanta which helped me push myself to a new level with my sport, yet I was shunned by the rest of the people on my team.

In high school I only attended the meets, expecting dynamics to be the same as Swim Atlanta had. However, I will forever be grateful that I quit my club and started to assimilate with my high school team, sparking connections and friendships I still maintain to this day. My perspective on swimming had changed drastically: I no longer swam out of necessity but out of choice. I still felt pleased with my progress and health, but this time I had teammates and friends to enjoy it with and push me even further.

Swimming taught me many life lessons, and helped to pave a path of fulfillment. I learned to prioritize responsibilities and maintain harmony with the important facets of my life while still finding joy in the way I spent my days. Although I find satisfaction in winning races, I love swim because-for happier times or more challenging ones-swim has been alongside me and helped to mold me into the person I am today.