I have not mentioned this before but one of things that got me interested in Open Water Swimming in the first place was a book called Swimming to Antarctica by Lynne Cox. Lynne Cox is an amazing and inspirational distance swimmer who has been my idol ever since I read her story. She not only held multiple distance swimming records but also completed swims to help foster diplomacy in the world.
Though I knew that Lynne Cox’s first ever open water swim was at Seal Beach, I hoped but did not have any reason to expect that she might make an appearance at the competition. After I finished my swim, I ran up the beach to find Lynne Cox meeting swimmers and taking photos. I know it may be hard to grasp how much this meant to me, so just imagine your biggest idol (for my sister it would be Taylor Swift) taking a photo with you and signing your shirt. This encounter made not only my day but also probably my year!
Lynne Cox and me
Open Water Abby 
Awesome Abby….I am sure you have read her book Greyson. Loved it. So glad you got to meet her!