The journey my daughter Cathy has had with her swimming is as long as it is beautiful.
Cathy suffered some terrible1in her early childhood. After years of treatment, she finally became healthy.
Two years ago, while Cathy was watching the Olympics, a dream came into her sweet little head-to be a swimmer. Last summer, she wanted to2our local swimming team. She practiced hard and finally3it. The team practice, however, was a hard start. She coughed and choked and could hardly pull through her first few weeks. Hearing her coughing seriously one night, I decided to4her from it all. But Cathy woke me up early next morning, wearing her swimsuit ready to go! I told her she shouldn't swim after a whole night's coughing, but she refused to5and insisted she go.
From that day on, Cathy kept swimming and didn't6a single practice. She always tried her best to be the best. My ten-year-old was growing and changing right before my eyes, into this determined human being. There were moments of sadness of course: often she would be the last swimmer in the race. It was difficult for Cathy to accept that she wasn't a7— ever. But that didn't stop her from trying.
Then came the final awards ceremony(颁奖典礼) at the end of the year. Cathy didn't expect any award but was still there to cheer for her friends. As the ceremony was nearing the end, I suddenly heard the head coach announcing, "The highest honor goes to Cathy!" Looking around, he continued," Cathy has inspired us with her8and warmth.9skills and talents bring great success, the most valuable asset(财富)one can hold is the heart."
It was the greatest10of my daughter's life. With all she had been through in her ten years, this was the hour of true success.
