For half of my life, my public identity has been that of a national swimmer and more recently, a Paralympian. I have been swimming competitively for more than 10 years, but I can recall early and sheltered memories of fashion experiences—of sensuality and gentleness in silver and cloth—in the quiet admiration of my grandmothers, my mother and the other fashionable women in my life. These moments helped to originate the spirit which now springs forth in a flurry instead of hesitant possibilities, which I had either repressed or resigned because I feared that I could not fulfil them.
Nowadays, I have the courage to believe I can. It
