Hi Katie,

One of my friends who is also your fan and I decided to write a letter to you and ask Michael to
pass it to you. We feel bad to ask Michael for this, I’m worry this will be an interruption for both
of you. Since swimming fans shouldn’t pointing fingers to the swimmers and tell them what to do.
But after the first three days of Pan Pacs(and this two years), we feel this could be a conversation
with you and cheer you up.

Yuri said you aren’t someone who will share their mind easily, he asked you to write a dairy as a
way to talk to him, so this was my idea. I’m making my thoughts into a few parts.

200 free

I won’t say about the bronze since it had so many factors affected it(double, whole team hit by jet
lag). I would like to point out an issue many people might have been missing and didn’t bring up.
You’re losing your mojo on the last 50/25. You used to have the powerful last 50 to close it up, but
it was missing this two year! Remember you made a poll of pull or kick? Many have left their
opinions, my thought is pull is for distance, kick is for sprint. You can’t win a shorter race if you
don’t have a strong kick. I hope I can see a 28+ last 50 from you someday.

200 free relay

Schmitt’s case was unexpected, and the Aussies caught this. No one was preparing for this. I
understand this is one of your babies, it’s the relay you’re in since 2013. It’s understandable to feel
upset, take you time. Even though losing this relay broke my heart, I must point out, you’re really
looked like Jason Lezak throughout the whole leg! Almost pulled a Lezak! So close(I’m still feel
pretty bad about the losing too AHHH but back to the topic)! It’s really refreshing to see you swim
under such a great pressure.

In case you don’t know, you are the 3rd 4th 5th 10th fastest 200 free relay split ever! You are not far
behind the top 2 either! Keep on working and hoping(WR……), US will come back stronger than
ever.

NCAA

This one bother me for a long time, I have to say it. I know it was Meehan’s decision for greater
team point standing to shift you from 200 free to 400 IM. I know you’re following order and did it
for the team. I don’t know if you had contest for it or not. I really think you should have fight for it
for your own, of insisting racing the 200 free. Ella took down the 400 IM and Manuel end up third
at the 200 free, putting you at the 400 IM make no sense. This was one of the most bizarre
decisions I’ve ever seen. You did so well all those 1000/200 double in season(I thought this was
one of the preparation for NCAA 200 free), and so well at Pac-12. I was really disappointed when
the psych sheet came out.
After Budapest 200 free silver, you said the losing will be really good for you for this event in the
next couple years. And you skipped the event at NCAA. It was the best chance to race Comerford,
now you won’t be racing Comerford under the best circumstances anymore.

Competition

The women distances are changing, it’s not a bad thing. But some of the comments on Swimswam
just don’t make me feel good. Many swimming fans said that it’s good for you to have
competitions, it will make the race more interesting and keep you on toes. They don’t understand
you, not a bit. Your swimming isn’t about being chase or whether or not getting beat, it’s about do
yourself and becoming better, Bruce said it. You’ve been swimming all by yourself for so long, I
don’t see how it’s gonna change by any external forces. I know you won’t be bother by others, but
I’m afraid those noise will get louder and louder. Some swimmers…are disturbingly arrogant too.

So much happen for the past week(and past two years), have a nice break and come back freshly!
Look forward for your new season!

PS: Would like to see you compete in winter national, especially the 200 and 1650. It’s been a
while for you to compete at winter national. I’m hoping you would wear the blue NCAP swim cap
at one point, I miss that color!

No sky too high, no sea too rough, anything in life worth doing is worth overdoing.
All the best, Katie!

Hwee Ling

Hi Katie,

I happened to see your performance in 200m freestyle final at 2013 Grand Prix at Mesa from a
video.You came from behind and took first place. Since then I understand you are not only good at
long distance, so i keep following your information and matches. all thoes years, i keep watching
your matches, especially the semifinal and final of 2015 FINA World Championships, that was the
first i bear not to watch coz i was too nervous for you. though you were underdog at that time. i
still thought you would win, i trust your ability of the last 100m and 25m sprint, and you really
grinded out. at that time, it was midnight in asia, later i still need to go to work. and i was so
touched and cried

in these years, other than 400m and 800m freestyle, your performace at 200m freestyle inspire me
the most. i admire you always come from behind to beat your opponents. except thoes two years at
2017 FINA World Championships and 2018 Pan Pacific, your late sprint has slowed a lot. it
makes me really miss NCAP
i shouldnt be so disencouraged. Champion isnt built in one day. you devote everything to have a
successful career. you win some, and lose some. in international matches these two years, so many
cocky newcomers claim they can beat you. at their age, they should learn your modest and have
some respect for you

"To be not elated by success nor disturbed by failure."

how many people can really do it?
from the bottom of my heart, i think its you...katie
i enjoy watching you emracing competition but also respecting every rivals. so if you can bear me.
i write down all my thought towards you. to show you my love and support. my lovely katie, i
really admire you. keep fighting. prepare for the next big match and claim the victory.

fangirl Cinny