I was once a nine-year-old, clueless water rat. Five years later, thanks to Betty Philcox, I was nationally ranked, practicing with the Yale Men’s Team, and saying no to trying out for the Tokyo Olympics. Her mission was to turn swimmers into blue-ribbon athletes and model team players. Her year-round, even-keeled discipline counterbalanced my freewheeling, rule-free home. I can still see her thin ankles and flat sneakers, following me along the pool’s edge. I can still hear her voice and the click of the stopwatch in her hand. I can still see Betty as a stranger waiting on the beach. (100)
How little we really know about each other! So young you were with such an unique talent and ability . The people who impact us forever.
To have such a wonderful mentor is something that can't be put into words. You were blessed.