The article reflects on the author's journey from feeling like an outsider to embracing her identity within Sydney's ocean swimming community. After years of participating in women's swim groups and training, she transformed her skills and confidence, allowing her to claim the beach as her own. Carpooling with a neighbor, the author describes the cultural contrasts in her surroundings while highlighting the importance of community support that helped her achieve her swimming goals and find a sense of belonging along the coastline.
Claiming the beach as my own place felt radical. After years of building up my confidence and skills, I finally began to embrace my identity at the coastline.
In the quiet morning, Canterbury-Bankstown's Palestinian flags give way to the skin-cancer clinics, juice bars and women in athleisure of Sydney's eastern suburbs.
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