Just Keep Swimming

"My sport" has always been swimming. Despite finding success as a distance runner later in life, the sterile scent of chlorine and the sound of waves lapping into a gutter always bring me home. When I left the US in 2007, I did so knowing that I wasn't likely to engage much in competitive swimming, especially as a coach.  Not until arriving in Malaysia did the opportunity present itself and I am forever grateful.

The swim team at ISKL is more than a family. It is an extended lineage; a collection of overlapping stories that are at one similar and new. In five years I have seen two graduating classes grow and develop as athletes and human beings from silly, nervous Freshmen to confident and inspiring Seniors. From my first day on the pool deck for training to my last IASAS Championship Meet, the team has welcomed me in ways that make the long hour hours, bus rides, endless weekend meets, and stress of making team cuts and tough calls all worth it a thousand times over.

Every year as the end-of-season awards night, I always end up saying that most of my favorite people at the school are in this room."  Every year I saw it, and every year it's true.

This post isn't about itemizing moments or attempting to capture in words the depth of bonds formed and joy exuded by this group. It is an album of sorts, a blogged time-capsule to collect a few images and memories of time spent with some of these favorite people I've gotten to meet and work with in the last five years.

2015-2016: 

Welcoming Committee
As a new coach, these two Seniors made it their missions to integrate me
into everything that "Swim Fam" was, including matching hairstyles!

Taking it Worldwide
These are the swimmers who officially made me an International Coach.
Jakarta for Exchange Meet 2015

Ulterior Motives?
Surprise Birthday Cake after training. Swimmers and their food...

Also, for posterity (as long as it stays on YouTube) this special little cameo from IASAS in Singapore.

2016-2017: 

Sometimes I'm grateful for candid moments captured by stealth paparazzi...

...other times, not as much! :P

One for the history books:
The year we hosted IASAS at Melawati campus
and the last time it would be in a six lane pool.

2017-2018:

Car-Boom Car-Boom Siss Boom Bah!
Borrowed cheers are legacy cheers.

D-Squad
I love the strategy, mentality, and reflection element of distance swimming.
I love passing that on even more. 

2018-2019: 

New School, New Pool
Girls' O16 took top prize as we hosted the SCM ISAC Meet 

And then there were four!
Added the experience of Coach George (OLY) this year!

2019-2020: 

Starting Off Strong
First time in five years we didn't lose any boys and gained some new talent!

Pride and tears overflowing:
Three of my distance squad in the Top 8 in the 800m, all PB's. 

One a Panther, Always a Panther