Welcome to My Synchronized Life

Welcome to My Synchronized Life
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My name is Mary Killman, and I am half of the U.S. Olympic Duet for Synchronized Swimming. I'm a proud Native American as part of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation (Fun fact: Jim Thorpe was part Potawatomi!) I was born in Ada, Okla., but I've always called McKinney, Texas my home. Although sometimes I wonder why I claim a hometown at all -- I've lived in 42 different states so far and I'm only 21!

I've been doing synchro for 10 years, and have been on the National Team since 2007. Mariya Koroleva, my duet partner, and I are currently living and training in Indianapolis, Ind., where we are working hard and have qualified for the Olympic Games in August.

It's super exciting to be able to represent your country, and even more exciting when you realize you're one of two people representing your ENTIRE sport FOR your country! Just one month left until the Olympic rings shine brightly in everyone's minds and the Games will play constantly on millions of TVs, and I'll be one of those athletes shown! I can't wait!

I found a quote in my corrections notebook that really has hit home for me recently and I wanted to share it with everyone:

"For myself, losing is not coming in second. It's getting out of the water and knowing you could have done better. For me, I've won every race I've been in." -- Ian Thorpe

I hope after our swim in London I can look at that and smile. Because it was my best and you can't do any better than that. Remember to do your best all the time, work your hardest, and your goals CAN be reached!

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