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. Olympic Team Trials - Swimming 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.

Maya Siu | Burlingame Aquatic Club swimmer (age 11) | Burlingame, CA

I am thankful for the Burlingame Aquatic Club (BAC) coaches who have helped make swimming possible during the COVID-19 pandemic.

My swim journey began when I was two years old, taking lessons at my local swim school with my big sister. I have reactive airways and eczema. Swimming helped make my lungs stronger and cleared up my skin. I followed in my big sister Caitlyn’s footsteps and joined BAC. 

I love swimming because I get to interact with my friends and challenge myself. I love swim meets because I enjoy cheering and supporting my teammates. Swimming always makes me happy!

Krissy Payton | South Bay Aquatics assistant head coach | San Diego, CA

My journey began at the age of seven, 1973-ish, in Chula Vista, California. Living in the San Diego area, my parents wanted me to learn to swim. My mom used to have a recurring nightmare of walking into the ocean with my sister and I hand in hand. A wave would come and we were gone. The dreams stopped once we started to swim. 

I loved swim lessons and soon joined the swim team. I continued swimming through college at Cal State Northridge, and I got the coaching bug around that time! 

I was very fortunate to have coaches who were amazing and had huge positive influences on me. I wanted to give back to the sport I love and help others see their potential. 

God put this sport in front of me at an early age. I had success. I loved what it taught me and continues to teach me. The ups and downs. You develop lifelong friendships along the way and meet so many people willing to share their ideas and perspectives. I have been able to travel the country and participate in various USA Swimming camps, meeting new coaches and swimmers. So cool!

I am lucky to have a career in something I love. I studied to be a teacher and was fortunate enough to teach the sport of swimming. 

Swimming offers you life lessons, and as a coach, you can impact so many people around you. Sometimes kids need that other voice to guide them and give them that sounding board to bounce all their feelings, goals and insecurities off of. To give them the tools on their way to being a confident young adult.

Swimming shows you who you are. Your character. It’s a quiet place.  To swim back and forth, face in the water, you have so much time to think.

It’s my life.