Thousands of tears spilled on your cheeks back then. Trying over and over, never succeeding well. Your smile drowned by pain. The pain of defeat, the pain because the struggle felt in vain.
I remember clearly how your eyes welled up every time you came home from a competition arena. I know there was so much you bore alone back then.
The thought of quitting once crossed your mind. But, struggle never betrays those who are willing to fight. You woke up earlier than others. You practiced when others chose to rest. Every defeat you kept not as an excuse to retreat, but as a small note on what to improve the next day.
Now, I cry and laugh. Unable to hold back the emotion, the happiness of seeing one obstacle that had been a barrier finally conquered by you. Alone, without begging, until you reached the peak. With a smile, with tears of gratitude welling up.
Today, I see not just a victory on stage. I see a long journey not everyone knows about. I see the child who used to cry in my arms, now standing with her head held high.
None of this journey was instant. You chose to keep walking. That's what makes this victory feel so meaningful, because you deserve it.
Su, Dad is proud of you. Keep fighting, okay? Keep learning, keep being you who never tires of dreaming. I believe you will stand on a peak higher than the sky. I love you so much.