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The aquatic sport of swimming has been around for a very long time. Some people say swimming is a natural response, some say it is a learned ability. I can agree with both, although to compete on a collegiate level, it’s a lot harder than it sounds! Just like any other sport, collegiate swimmers have been doing this for the majority of their lives; putting forth many seconds, minutes, hours, days, and years, along with the blood, sweat, and tears that come along the way as well. As an athlete, I’ve always lived by a formula that I created, Hardwork+Determination=Your Success. Swimming has opened up a door that has allowed Dax Hill to do exactly that for The University of Texas Longhorns!

First off, we all know that it is EXTREMELY RARE to see an African-American swimmer, let alone, a collegiate swimmer for a major Division I program. Not saying that is a bad thing, just getting you to realize how rare Dax Hill truly is. I could ask 10 people right now “What type of strokes competitive swimming consisted of”, and I can almost guarantee you only 1-2 people would know the answer. Let me educate you for a quick second… Competitive swimming consists of 4 types of strokes: butterfly, breaststroke, freestyle, and backstroke. Whenever you see all 4 strokes being done in the same race, that is called medley swimming. Dax’s style is freestyle which is when they are allowed to use any type of stroke which they prefer.

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I asked Dax if he could describe himself in two words, what would they be, and he told me “Funny and Corny”. You all may laugh at him for his response, but there’s nothing funny or corny when it comes to the visions this guy has in his life! Dax told me 5 things that he wants to accomplish by the age of 30:

1.    Multi time Olympic gold medalist
2.    4 time team NCAA national champion
3.    Hold multiple NCAA records
4.    Have a million dollars (or more)
5.    Be able to help others reach their dreams and goals

Those are some serious goals and I truly believe 100% that he will make each and every one of those happen; that’s exactly why Dax is swimming to success!

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I wanted to know how swimming has helped Dax become who he is today and he told me “Swimming has made me realize that if I’m ready and willing to sacrifice for something, I can do whatever I put my mind to.” You’re probably wondering how “swimming” could help someone in life, but like I said earlier, it’s the same concept as any other sport; you work hard towards it and give 100% at all times; which goes straight into Dax’s favorite quote, “hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard’. I also asked Dax what separates him from everyone else in life, and he simply said “I’m Dax and my attitude is different from others. If I tell you I’m going to do something in all seriousness, I’m going to put forth everything I have and more to make sure that there is no chance for me to not get that result.”

In my opinion, Dax Hill is a very rare individual; a you