Celebrating My Best Friend and Lane Mate - Katie Kenyon!
Some people come into your life and become part of your routine. Others become part of your heart. Katie Kenyon is both.
Katie and I have been swimming together since 2013, and over these past thirteen years, she has been so much more than my lane mate. She has been my faithful friend, my inspiration, and one of the people who makes my life better simply by being in it.
When I don’t swim, I think of how I missed my chance to catch up with Katie. And when we swim together, I feel so much better for the entire day. There is something about sharing a lane, working through a hard set, laughing between repeats, and knowing that someone wonderful is beside you that makes everything feel a little lighter. Swimming with Katie is one of those gifts I never want to take for granted.
Katie is a kind and generous person with an unbelievable volunteering spirit. She gives her time, her knowledge, and her energy to make things better for the people and organizations around her. She does it with genuine care, and she never seems to need recognition for what she gives.
Most people know that Katie and I became USMS Adult Learn To Swim Instructors together on October 15, 2023. That is a special accomplishment we share, and I am so proud of what we have done together. But there is so much more to celebrate about Katie.
She has just been awarded the Dorothy Donnelly Service Award from U.S. Masters Swimming, an honor recognizing volunteer service. This award is presented annually to USMS registered individuals whose volunteer service has contributed to the growth, improvement, or success of U.S. Masters Swimming locally, regionally, and/or nationally. Dot Donnelly was a member of USMS at its inception and tirelessly served as a coach, meet director, and ambassador for the USMS organization. She served on the USMS Executive Committee as its elected Secretary for four years. Following that, Dot maintained the USMS National Office from her home for many years.
And why has Katie earned this recognition? Because she has devoted herself to serving U.S. Masters Swimming, including as a member of the USMS Board of Directors as Legal Counsel. She has shared her professional expertise, her time, and her commitment in ways that benefit the organization and its members.
I am writing this shout-out because I am so grateful to swim with Katie, so grateful to call her my best friend, and so happy to celebrate this recognition with everyone! Katie, congratulations on this well-deserved honor. Thank you for being my lane mate since 2013, my faithful friend, and such an inspiration. I am proud of you and very lucky to have you in my life in and out of the pool!
