After sustaining several injuries, Alessandra Comier reflects on the determination it takes to make a full recovery.
The moment I pushed off that wall in the pool, I knew my life was about to change. I had always considered myself invincible — someone who could face any challenge and push through any pain. But as I slammed my hand into the wall, clutching my knee, it all came crashing down. I was at my peak: a top-ranked club swimmer competing in the finals. My nerves ran wild as I took my mark for the 100 meter backstroke.
Then it happened. My knee buckled as I launched off the wall. Despite the pain, I finished stronger than ever in first place, as if I knew it would be my last race for a while. What followed was a grueling journey. Using crutches only made things worse as first my other knee started hurting too, then my left shoulder, then my right, and eventually both my ankles. Exercise only flared up the pain all over again. One injury snowballed into another, leaving me with one and a half years of physical therapy — twice a week. During that time, I felt stuck in a cycle of false hope.
No one could explain why the pain kept spreading. But I refused to let the setbacks define me. When high school swim season arrived, I decided my injuries wouldn’t stop me from chasing my dream. Setbacks don’t have to define your journey.
This experience taught me resilience isn’t about fixing every problem — it’s about adapting and moving forward. I still face lingering pain and unanswered questions, but I’ve learned to adjust, listen to my body and stay grounded in my love for swimming. This journey taught me that setbacks aren’t the end — they’re lessons. My body hasn’t fully healed, but I’ve learned to embrace the challenges and use them as fuel. Swimming reminds me how far I’ve come and why I love the sport. With a Perspective, I’m Alessandra Comier.