When I started SwimStars.org, it was out of necessity. I was watching the 2004 Short Course World Championships (in Indianapolis). I saw swimmers competing that I didn't know. I went to Google and found little-to-nothing; which was unacceptable to me. These were world class athletes and they had no web prescence. I decided to change that and so SwimStars.org was born. Over the past 5 1/2, I've worked my tail off to give a little publicity and promo to a small number of the USA national swimming scene. It's been nice to see Swim Stars, and its various network sites, grow with the improvement and success of their respective swimmers. I had my own niche and it worked well, culminating with USA Swimming recognizing my work and approving me for media credentials. I felt validated and eager to improve Swim Stars myself. I upgraded my camera equipment, adding another professional grade telephoto lens to my collection. I also committed to more events. This was coming straight out of my pocket as SwimStars.org does not turn a profit. Lately, I feel as though SwimStars.org has required more of a commitment from me than I can give. That would mean making this a full-time gig, which I cannot do as I don't make money from my work. There have also been complications arising from the success of some of the swimmers I've supported from the beginning of this site. Lawyers and agents are breathing down my neck and that's just not a situation I feel like dealing with considering all that I've given over the years. I could go into detail, but that's not my character. In a situation like this, I will simply turn the other cheek and be the bigger individual. That is why I feel like now is a good time to gracefully bow out. I have enjoyed my time immersed in the sport of swimming. As someone who never swam competitively, I've learned so much and have so much respect for the athletes who made siwmming their sport of choice. There are a lot of people to thank, and to list every single person would take too long, but I'm going to try and provide an abbreviated list: Michael Phelps - your Athens performance drew me into the sport and your absense from the SC World Champs allowed me to focus on other swimmers, which led me to the idea of SwimStars.org The Phelps Family - You all have been so wonderful to me and I thank you for everything you've done. USA Swimming - Giving me the opportunity, as a fan, to report from the deck these past few years was an invaluable experience I'll never forget. Peter Vanderkaay - Thank you for humoring me and always being there. You know you're my favorite and now I can tell everyone else. I'm going to stay in touch, so your life will continue to be complete. The rest of the Vanderkaay Family - I love you guys. What else can I say? Megan Romano & Family - Your generosity (and humor) over the years has been a breath of fresh air Kaitlin Sandeno - I FREAKING LOVE YOU! Words cannot express how awesome you are, and I just want the world to know! Evan Morgenstein - Thank you for giving me the opportunity to work for and with you. I will gladly continue for as long as you need me. Thanks for all the advice and suggestions. I'm greatly appreciative. Paul Yetter - As my favorite coach, I don't think I really need to tell you what I think of you. I'll miss watching you run up and down the deck like a spazz. If I'm ever in the Naples area, please know I'll be in touch. And I still want my new mixed CD. Felicia Lee - You are going to be so amazing and I can't wait to watch you tear it up! Be sure to hit up moms for new shoes for every accomplishment you get. And if you come back to C-Bus, we're going out! and last, but certainly not least... The Swim Aids - You guys are my life force. You're the best friends I've ever had and I'm glad you'll be staying in life. Can't wait to plan that Vegas vacation with you! TheSwimAids.com will remain open. I'll be leaving the gallery up for another week or so, so if there are any pictures you might want, I'd go look through it and save what you want sooner rather than later. Thanks everyone! It's been real! Suz suz (@) swimstars.org