Subconsciously, I already knew at the age of four that I wanted to swim. When my parents took me to the pool and the coach said I could not join because I was too young, I jumped into the next lane and swam 700m. I proved my point. I knew I had a connection with the water unlike anything I had felt before. With each year, my dream to become an Olympian grew stronger. I researched what I wanted to achieve and found that only 3% of any nation makes a national team and only 0.8% gets up on the medal dais. I wanted to be a part of that statistic. I wanted to be an OLYMPIAN. Only forty-six swimmers and another 504 athletes in the different sports were chosen to represent Australia. They would then be joined by more than 10,000 of the world’s best athletes in the Olympic Village.
I never gave up, I was determined, steadfast, and strong, and I never doubted. I would train harder just to ensure no one could beat me. The dream and the discipline I had have carried into all aspects of my life today. I have now had the time to reflect on my seven-year professional swimming career that brought many medals, records and special moments. A dream has taught me that no matter who opposes your thoughts, desires or ambitions, you should never be negative. Neil Armstrong may have once told friends he wanted to walk on the moon, and I’m sure there would have been many jeers as he expressed his vision.
Never laugh at anyone’s dream. Support yourself with a “dream team” and not “dream killers.” Trust yourself, love yourself, and let God be your guiding staff.
Elka Graham is an Olympic Silver medalist swimmer. www.elkagraham.com
