Ellie and Itzel, two artistic swimmers from Raleigh Swim School in North Carolina, share their inspiring stories of returning to the sport they loved as children. After years away, they discovered the joy of competing again as adults, especially as they prepare for the Pan American Games.
A Comeback Story
Ellie started her artistic swimming journey at the age of eight and continued until high school. After taking a seven-year hiatus for college and veterinary school, she returned to the pool as an adult and has been swimming for three years now.
Itzel, originally from Mexico, began her artistic swimming journey at the same age. After moving to the U.S. three years ago, she unexpectedly found herself back in the water, training alongside Ellie. Together, they have reignited their passion for the sport and are thrilled for their upcoming competition.
“This is a great experience. This is a good opportunity for us to compete internationally,” Itzel says, reflecting on their journey.
The Challenges of Masters Training
Returning to artistic swimming as masters comes with its own set of challenges. Balancing work, coaching, and training requires dedication and hard work. Ellie highlights, “We have to really prioritize our training, which has been fun, but also really challenging.”
Both swimmers emphasize the importance of maintaining physical health and the benefits of lifelong sports participation. As they navigate the demands of adult life, they find camaraderie and support in each other, often spending late nights at the pool to refine their skills.
Competitive Spirit and Community
Representing their club at the 2026 PanAm Aquatics Masters Championships in Buenos Aires means a lot to Ellie and Itzel. They’ve invested significant effort into building their club and training together, which adds to the excitement of the competition.
“It means a lot for us, especially representing our club, because it is a new club. We put a lot of hard work into developing it,” Ellie shares.
Their journey is not just about competition; it’s also about building community and friendships through the sport. They encourage others who may feel burnt out or hesitant to return to swimming, reminding them of the joy and health benefits that sports can bring.
A Message to Other Masters Swimmers
“If you have a dream to compete again, you should go for it because the only thing holding you back is yourself,” Ellie encourages. Itzel adds, “Life is just one, and it can finish immediately. This opportunity to go back to what you love is really beneficial.”
Ultimately, both swimmers highlight that sports help us become better people, fostering connection and personal growth. As they prepare for the upcoming championships, their story serves as a reminder of the transformative power of sport, regardless of age.
Register today for the 2026 PanAm Aquatics Masters Championships!
