When I was 5, I didn’t make my first swim team because I couldn’t get across the pool. I worked hard all summer and came back the next year to make it—and that determination has stuck with me ever since. This past year, my immune system started failing and I was diagnosed with POTS. For most athletes, that would have meant an early retirement. Even my doctors told me to quit. But I didn’t. I showed up to every single practice, no matter how sick or exhausted I felt, because I wasn’t willing to give up on the sport I love. Despite being sick the entire season, I dropped 23 seconds in my mile, finishing ranked 29th in the nation and missing nationals by just 2 spots. My journey hasn’t been easy, but it proves that with resilience, consistency, and hard work, I can turn setbacks into strength—and keep chasing my goals no matter the odds.