From Open Water to the Pool: Cathy’s Swim Story

How a trip to the Galápagos led one swimmer to Tukwila Pool and a new community

For years, Cathy Thompson swam only in open water. Then she decided to move into the pool to work on her technique. A friend was already swimming at Tukwila Pool, and that was all the encouragement she needed to join.

The spark

The moment that changed things came on a SwimTrek to the Galápagos. Cathy traveled with eight other Seattle swimmers, all of whom were much stronger swimmers than she was. Rather than feeling discouraged, she came home inspired to train in earnest, and training meant finding a pool.

The challenge

Swimming alongside people who are faster than you isn’t easy. “It felt like I would never be able to keep up,” Cathy says. She has given herself plenty of pep talks along the way, reminding herself that swimming with stronger swimmers would make her better. It has. It also helps that her fellow swimmers are very supportive.

A growing swim pod

What started with one friend has grown into something bigger. Since joining Tukwila Pool, Cathy has met other swimmers and expanded her swim pod, the group she trains with.

Cathy Thompson- “Swimming is amazing! It has improved all aspects of my life. I’m addicted!”