So much can be said for California swimmers Rachel Bootsma (left) and Missy Franklin.
Both Bootsma and Franklin competed in the London 2012 Olympic Games.
And with the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic Games starting on Friday, a whole new crop of young Olympians will have the chance to accomplish their dreams.
These athletes include pairs ice dancers Meryl Davis and Charlie White and pair figure skaters Alex and Maia Shibutani, all four of whom are also students at Michigan.
“I will not stop watching the Olympics,” Bootsma said. “I love watching people have their dreams come true.”
In regards to Bootma’s dreams, she said, “Some of mine have come true, I am working to accomplish way more. I have accomplished more than I thought I could by this time in my life.”
Bootsma became an Olympian the summer before she started her freshman season at Cal. For Franklin, it was the summer before her senior year at Regis Jesuit High School in Aurora, Colo.In London, Franklin won four gold medals and one bronze medal.
Bootsma won the gold in the 4x100-meter medley.
“I feel like I just got back from London,” Bootsma said. “I cannot believe it is two years later.”
Franklin shares the same sentiment.
“The Winter Games starting blows my mind,” Franklin said. “I am not ready because it means Rio is coming up.”
In the meantime, Bootsma and Franklin plan to cheer on their Team USA teammates during the Sochi Olympic Winter Games.
“We know them and have relationships with them,” Franklin said. “It is like cheering on our friends.”
