Aaron Peirsol describes his relationship with the water

[@donkoh5738]

That 'long vision' that Aaron was carving out as a kid could definitely be observed back then as a potent mix probably of both nature and nature... it was indeed seeming to be in his DNA, but there was most certainly also a continuum in him seeking positive feedback and input and then clearly receiving sufficient support mechanisms and assist from the entire ecosystem required to help propel Aaron to his next level ! That's how I remember his early journey in the sport at least. Just one anecdote on this part, if I could... during a Q&A as a young age-grouper with visiting champ Mike Barrowman, I vividly recall Aaron as a 10 yr old asking Mike advice on how to basically best pursue a sustainable long-term competitive athletic path to achieve greater goals down the road, without burning out ! lol, talk about a young mind being well ahead of it's time. And if I further remember, Mike was at first set back impressed in appreciation of the question and had to step up to give a genuinely motivated response with some suggestions. just some priceless observations made from an old, appreciative assistant coach having the great opportunity under random timing to have been briefly on deck during some really amazing times...