Nevin Harrison Thanks The People That Have Helped Her Along The Way To Tokyo

Nevin Harrison poses at the Team USA Tokyo 2020 Olympic shoot on November 23, 2019 in West Hollywood, California.

To the people that helped me along the way -
It’s hard to pinpoint one person who got me here or helped me the most. Each and every person who has played a somewhat major role in my life has changed its course in one way or another.
The first person I have to endlessly thank is my coach. A very scary looking Hungarian man with a heart of gold. One of the most selfless people I’ve ever met. He has always put me first. Despite all the challenges we have faced, he’s shown me how to persevere through pretty much anything. About 18 months ago, I was completely alone. I had won a world championship, but I was in a dark and very lonely place. With no previous connection to me, he saw that I was struggling and put everything aside to help me. He took me in when he didn’t have to and has never failed to make me a priority. I admire the fearlessness and compassion that drives him to coach every single athlete in a special and thoughtful way. I would not be the athlete I am today without him. There isn’t a day that goes by where we don’t share endless laughs and good times. The hard days feel easy with you in my corner.
Another person who makes every day infinitely better is my roommate, who doubles as my training partner. We have lived together for the last year, transforming our relationship into one of the most unique and special friendships I’ve ever experienced. As athletes, we are given opportunities to form the most unexpected friendships. Him and I are that way. We are so different, come from completely different backgrounds, but he has become my brother and someone I couldn’t live without. Thank you for putting up with my craziness and sharing these wonderful experiences with me over this last year.

My dad is my biggest cheerleader, he makes sure I always know how proud of me he is. I go into every race with the hopes that I can make him as proud and excited as he was the day I won my first international title. He has taught me strength and how to overcome anything life throws at me. He is tough and unstoppable, despite the challenges he has had to face. Thank you for the comforting and unconditional love you bring to my life. You are so unbelievably strong.
My brother is my break from sports. No matter how many races I win, I will always be his little sister who is doing that weird sport with a paddle. That is something I am so grateful for. I’m not an athlete to him, I’m just me. Thank you for keeping me grounded and myself.
But, at the end of the day, if I had to pick one person to thank, it would be my mom. Since the day I first set foot in a boat she was my biggest supporter. There wasn’t a race she missed or a post practice snack she didn’t make for me. From the days of learning how to balance in my boat, to crossing the finish line in first place at the world championships, she was right there cheering, louder than anyone else in the stands. Her infectious positivity makes me want to be the best version of myself, and I will be so lucky if I become half the woman she is. She is my mom-ager, my best friend, my partner in crime and my rock. I love you Mom. Thank you for everything you do.
I didn’t do this alone, I have a crew backing me up that is irreplaceable and full of some of the best people I know. They keep me going, pushing harder and harder to be the best athlete and person I can be.
Thank you.
Love,
Nevin