Monday, November 23, 2020
My Why: Madisyn Cox, Ben Chung & Jack Aikins
Some sage soul, possibly Rowdy Gaines, once mused, “Absence makes the heart grow fonder.”
At this point, our hearts are to the point of bursting with pent-up fondness — and longing — for the pool. Continued and extended periods of quarantine have distanced us from the comfort of chlorine during the 'Rona’s reign, affecting all members of the swim community — athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, family and supporters alike.
We’ve missed the big moments: postponed U.S. Team Trials and 2020 Olympic Games Tokyo, as well as hundreds of cancelled international, national and local age group meets.
We’ve missed the little moments: obligatory groans at early-morning practice, the communal joy of a dropped tenth, as well as hundreds of laughs, hugs, cheers and tears shared with teammates, coaches, officials, volunteers, family and supporters.
Of course, these aren’t actually the little moments. The relationships, the bonds, the empathy and the love are the true comforts of chlorine.
"My Why" is a series of candid testimonials from individuals who believe in the power of swimming. Their passion for the sport is infectious.
Madisyn Cox | U.S. National Team swimmer | Austin, TX
My two older sisters swam and I was tired of waiting in the bleachers for them while they were at swim practice, so I started taking lessons at the local Y. When I turned four, I tried out for our club team. I made the team and swam for Lubbock Swim Club for the next 13 years until I left for college.
I love the sport. I love the near-direct relationship between hard work and results. Most importantly, I love the people in the sport.
I was very fortunate to swim for incredible coaches growing up. Our head coach, Trey Hayes had (and still has) a profound impact on my life. Through him I learned the values of hard work, leadership and respect for those around me. I attribute my success in the sport to him and those values. I continued my swimming career at the University of Texas under the leadership of Carol Capitani, who has also had a huge impact on my life. She is a phenomenal role model and has pushed me to be the best version of myself both in and out of the pool these past eight years.
That’s just to name a few. Swimming is filled with many other phenomenal people. Between teammates in club, college and on Team USA, I am truly grateful for the people in my life, all thanks to this incredible sport.
Ben Chung | Burlingame Aquatic Club head coach | Burlingame, CA
I remember taking swim lessons at a neighbor's backyard pool with my younger sister. Soon after, we joined the local club team largely because my older brother was already on it. From there, I progressed through the ranks, made lifelong friends and recognized the opportunity for a lifelong journey.
Swimming for my teams and investing 100 percent of myself into my swimming goals were the only times in my life growing up that I poured myself into anything. Swimming opened doors for me throughout my life; doors that led to college, travel and relationships. Swimming features prominently in the foreground of my best memories and life landmarks, and as a coach, I hope that I might be able to pass that along to the athletes in my charge. Swimming is brutally honest and it forces you to confront a lot of truths about yourself when it is just you, the water and the clock.
Jack Aikins | SwimAtlanta age group swimmer | Cumming, GA
I started swimming when I was 8 years old, following in the footsteps of my older sisters. They were my role models and inspiration, and I wanted to be like them.
I tried my hand at other sports, and I never got the same feeling from any other. Ever since my sisters got me into swimming, it has been my goal to be an Olympian. This sport gives me the hope I need, as well as the environment and family to push me forward.
At this point, our hearts are to the point of bursting with pent-up fondness — and longing — for the pool. Continued and extended periods of quarantine have distanced us from the comfort of chlorine during the 'Rona’s reign, affecting all members of the swim community — athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, family and supporters alike.
We’ve missed the big moments: postponed U.S. Team Trials and 2020 Olympic Games Tokyo, as well as hundreds of cancelled international, national and local age group meets.
We’ve missed the little moments: obligatory groans at early-morning practice, the communal joy of a dropped tenth, as well as hundreds of laughs, hugs, cheers and tears shared with teammates, coaches, officials, volunteers, family and supporters.
Of course, these aren’t actually the little moments. The relationships, the bonds, the empathy and the love are the true comforts of chlorine.
"My Why" is a series of candid testimonials from individuals who believe in the power of swimming. Their passion for the sport is infectious.
Madisyn Cox | U.S. National Team swimmer | Austin, TX
My two older sisters swam and I was tired of waiting in the bleachers for them while they were at swim practice, so I started taking lessons at the local Y. When I turned four, I tried out for our club team. I made the team and swam for Lubbock Swim Club for the next 13 years until I left for college.
I love the sport. I love the near-direct relationship between hard work and results. Most importantly, I love the people in the sport.
I was very fortunate to swim for incredible coaches growing up. Our head coach, Trey Hayes had (and still has) a profound impact on my life. Through him I learned the values of hard work, leadership and respect for those around me. I attribute my success in the sport to him and those values. I continued my swimming career at the University of Texas under the leadership of Carol Capitani, who has also had a huge impact on my life. She is a phenomenal role model and has pushed me to be the best version of myself both in and out of the pool these past eight years.
That’s just to name a few. Swimming is filled with many other phenomenal people. Between teammates in club, college and on Team USA, I am truly grateful for the people in my life, all thanks to this incredible sport.
Ben Chung | Burlingame Aquatic Club head coach | Burlingame, CA
I remember taking swim lessons at a neighbor's backyard pool with my younger sister. Soon after, we joined the local club team largely because my older brother was already on it. From there, I progressed through the ranks, made lifelong friends and recognized the opportunity for a lifelong journey.
Swimming for my teams and investing 100 percent of myself into my swimming goals were the only times in my life growing up that I poured myself into anything. Swimming opened doors for me throughout my life; doors that led to college, travel and relationships. Swimming features prominently in the foreground of my best memories and life landmarks, and as a coach, I hope that I might be able to pass that along to the athletes in my charge. Swimming is brutally honest and it forces you to confront a lot of truths about yourself when it is just you, the water and the clock.
Jack Aikins | SwimAtlanta age group swimmer | Cumming, GA
I started swimming when I was 8 years old, following in the footsteps of my older sisters. They were my role models and inspiration, and I wanted to be like them.
I tried my hand at other sports, and I never got the same feeling from any other. Ever since my sisters got me into swimming, it has been my goal to be an Olympian. This sport gives me the hope I need, as well as the environment and family to push me forward.