I started swimming when I was 6 years old at the Arlington Heights summer swim club.

It was an excellent experience for me. We were sectional champs every year. We took second in the state one year and we finished top six in the state every year. Title IX had just been rolled out three years prior to that, so women were just starting to have a lot more opportunity in sports.

Swimming has changed drastically for Clay over the years. My hopes for Sarah are that she continues to have the spirit that she has. She's unbelievable. She's not one who is 'all about me.' She's very team-oriented and she's not cocky whatsoever. That makes me really proud.

Swimming was just an activity to join and I thought it would be good for her. It's very difficult to try and follow someone's footsteps. She's her own person and we've always been very proud of that. She's an excellent kid.

I usually go to the swimming pool if I want to swim.

She loves swimming,” said Ellen, who I knew had been a competitive swimmer in college.
Ellen looked in the rearview mirror at Kara.
“Don’t you Kara?” asked Ellen.
There was no response.
“I didn’t start until I was three,” said Ellen. “She’s got a two year start on me.