Kindness is a universal language. In August, when I found myself in the Paralympic Village in Tokyo, I learned a lot about the cultures of the world and what makes us all unique.

I was most surprised by the way Japanese volunteers filled a void I had expected to feel without my family and friends. Their kindness is what I remember.

As a Paralympic swimmer, competing for Team USA at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games was an incredible honor. Despite the setbacks and uncertainties of the year leading up to the Games, the host country created an experience like no other, exceeding all expectations.