Pilar Geijo's Acceptance Speech At WOWSA

Pilar Geijo’s Acceptance Speech At WOWSA

Steven Munatones 10/04/2012 Open Water Swimming No Comment
Pilar Geijo of Argentina was the 2011 World Open Water Swimming Woman of the Year.

Her acceptance speech at the World Open Water Swimming Awards on the Queen Mary in Long Beach, California last week was as heartfelt and genuine as she always in during competition and on land. Her speech was as follows:

First of all, I want to say thank you to the World Open Water Swimming Association (WOWSA) for considering me for this nomination.

It was amazing to be part of this nomination and it was fantastic to win this award. I also want to give a special thanks to all the people who voted me from Argentina and from all over the world. I am very happy, extremely happy for this support.

Unfortunately, it was not possible for me be there with you today. But I am sure that in some way we are connecting with each time while we swim in the pool, in the sea, and in the river. In some way I am sure that the water connects us and I can feel your energy.

I want to tell you a little part of my story.

From 8 years old, I was dreaming to get this moment in my sports career. Now I’m living a real dream because I’m really happy with my activities. I enjoy training, I enjoy racing. I’m very lucky to have the support of my family, the support of my sponsors, and the special support of my husband who is also my coach. Diego and I have been a couple for 7 years and he has been coaching me for 4 years.

Diego Tricarico really helped me a lot to get this results. I found somebody in him that really trusts in me and loves me! We are an excellent team and it’s not a coincidence that my best sports results have been working with him. Two times we achieved the first place in the FINA Open Water Swimming Grand Prix series in 2010 and in 2011, and two times we earned second place in the Grand Prix series in 2009 and in 2012.

The way that I had to walk to get to this moment was really long. Sometimes it was hard and I encountered many obstacles, but the strong desire deep inside me never allowed me to give up. I know that sometimes it was not easy.

But I’m sure that if I was able to overcame obstacles, I am sure that you can too. Nobody wants obstacles in their ways. But I’m sure that they are not all negative. In fact, every time that I overcame an obstacle, I become strong and stronger. I learned to find something positive when things look very negative.

I would like to wish you good luck in your own way. Remember that the most important thing is the journey, not the destination. Enjoy each moment of your life.

Thank you very much again…and never give up to your dreams!



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