She is a champion

A champion. 

The definition is one who has defeated or surpassed all.  But perhaps that doesn’t necessarily mean the one that is the best or finished first.  Perhaps that means the one that knows the odds are stacked against them and does it anyway.  Perhaps that means the one that finishes last, but finishes with a sense of pride and accomplishment.  Perhaps that means to compete and be content and happy with your efforts, win or lose. 

She is a champion.  This girl is a true champion.  She has taught more people the meaning of appreciating your talents and celebrating all efforts than anyone I know.  She shows up.  She makes no excuses.  She gives it her all.  Every. Single. Day. She has an injury?  She swims anyway.  It’s raining?  She swims anyway.  Doesn’t know the stroke that well?  She swims anyway.  

The celebration.  The victory.  It’s in her face.  In her spirit.  She is a champion.  Touching the wall last with not one swimmer left in the pool and she is the champion.  Why?   The lessons she has taught to those watching and the joy she radiates by being a part of a team.  And that team?  They are amazing encouragers...cheering her on and loving on her like teammates should but don’t always do.  Would it benefit the team more if she placed 1-3?  Perhaps that depends on how you look at it.  For the overall score of the meet?  Yes, absolutely.  For the lessons taught of being a true champion, never giving up, and being grateful for the journey? Never. That is Kayla’s gift.  The gift of sharing with the world how to celebrate and find joy in the journey, despite the outcome.  For this and so many other reasons, she is a champion.