1. WATER! Anywhere. Pools are tough to come by, so when we find one we can spend some time at with some swimmers, we feel very fortunate. For this, I want to thank Bucknell University, New York Military Academy, and Clarence Middle School for our summer camps.
2. Friends that teach me. Don Walsh, Pat Frank, Barbara Hummel, Judson Aungst, Jerry Foley, Sean Martin, Craig Strong, Marcia Deiterich, and so many others prior to these close associates. You know there are SO many more, but these are the people I've worked with most in 2004.
3. Kids that want to swim. Nothing makes me happier than seeing kids smile at a pool. When the swimmers WANT to be there, it makes all the difference in the world, for both of us.
4. That MY kids want to swim. My daughter and son are enjoying swimming with NO pushing from me. It was a fine line, but they've discovered the sport, and they like the friends they're developing within it. Hey, that's why I stayed in it so long.
5. Swimming friends who let me crash at their homes. This past year, I did some traveling. Sometimes, when growing a small business, every little bit helps. In California, I was welcomed in Jason's home while at Stanford, and John's home while in Los Angeles. Brent gave me a place to stay in Phoenix as well, and I am deeply thankful for all of them.
6. People with faith. From the athletes, who have entrusted us with the presentation of their skills, to their representatives, who work hand in hand with us to prepare the materials, they all take a bit of a leap of faith. We can only hope we've held up our end of the bargain.
7. My co-workers. Barbara and Judson, who work tirelessly in helping to accomplish so much. Both have such hope for the future, and it's that optimism that keeps us all going.
8. Dave Denniston. Simply put, one of my best friends in swimming. I've watched him grow, train, struggle, and still he is one of the most positive people I've known. I only wish, and hope I can do more for him in the future. Even if he did swim for Auburn, I can't remember too many people I wanted to see succeed more.
9. The future. Without hope, optimism, determination, and a plan, there is nothing to look forward to. I'm thankful that after two years, 2005 is going to be a very eventful year for Go Swim.
10. I'm thankful for the Olympics. I'm thankful that we all got to witness some of the greatest races ever. I'm thankful that we saw so many different styles and techniques, that there will always be something new for us to learn, and hopefully teach at some point. I'm thankful that we get to see the beauty that is racing, and at it's ultimate form, even if they don't show all the best camera angles. ☺
11. And, even though we all agreed to list the TEN Swimming Things we were Thankful for...remember: ALWAYS do MORE than what was asked of you! I'm very thankful for all the people that have supported us here at the website. You're the reason we do what we do, and we hope to continue earning your support in the years to come. Of course, we hope that means you'll all eventually find JUST the right DVD for you, and BUY it!
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