GOLD MEDAL MEL: Thanksgiving NEWS

At a time when it seems everyone is so fearful (over the economy and the war and the environment), I feel overcome with absolute joy and THANKS! I'm thankful for my wife, Tif, who I love more than ever after 10 years, and my big healthy daughter, Bay, who makes me smile proudly every single day. They're my favorite girls on earth, and I couldn't imagine it any other way....

I'm thankful for the FAMILY OF SWIMMING (masters swimmers, age groupers, elite-swimmers, all of the coaches and of course the officials). And I'm so thankful for the USA Swimming Foundation, and for my friend behind it, Mr. Christopher LaBianco.  I couldn't let this THANKS go as text only. Here's a  video recap of all the fun and fellowship we had together... 

Chris, or LaBi (as he is known on the web), has so much to be THANKFUL for himself. He came on-board at the USA Swimming Foundation to fill the shoes of a beloved star, Rowdy Gaines--a tough act to follow. Rowdy is NBC's voice of swimming at the Olympic Games. Chris, who had not been in the swimming industry for years and years, hit the ground running. He brought me along for the ride, traveling every which way imaginable, including to Beijing. Chris worked himself to death, all the way up to the Golden Goggles this fall in Manhattan.... 

The results of LaBi's work are in, and they're incredible considering what happened to the economy this fall. I can't say much, but I can say, conservatively, that the Foundation was hugely successful.....

 

THANKFUL??? It doesn't seem like a weighty enough word for me... Working with LaBi, I learned to love swimming all over again. I love it more now than when I was competing.... The Foundation supports "learn to swim" programs in places where they are needed most--in urban areas and minority communities....  I wished I had learned this when I was younger, and faster, when I was world-class. It is better to do good than to do well. I have Chris LaBianco to thank for learning that.....

If you want to support "learn to swim" programs, it's easy to do. Just go to swimfoundation.org and make a donation. Any level of support will do! If you make a donation, let me know. Comment on my blog. And if you're in a city near a GRAND PRIX swimming competition, come by and together we can vlog.... 

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

Thanks Valeria and Candace of OH YES THEY DID! (Martha told me about the check you sent.)

Thanks to Brandon Franklin, fellow masters swimmers and lover of all things 80s. Your coming to Golden Goggles (with your wife) made the gala event!

Thanks to Shaun Jordan, my Olympic teammate (and fellow gold medalist) from 1988 and 1992. Sitting behind your table at Golden Goggles (with Aaron Peirsol) was half the fun.

Thanks to all the National Team Members, present and past! Your participation at Golden Goggles was, of course, the lifeblood of the event! 

Thanks to Eve Stahlberger, especially for your THANKSGIVING story today on the web. It hit the right note. Thank you for that!

Thanks to Mike Barrows, my Mercersburg buddy from way back. I appreciate you taking the time to come to Manhattan for my birthday party, and even for bringing a Peddie Parent. (Your vid's coming soon!)

Thanks to Leif Engstrom and Dan Dakus! I loved seeing you guys again!

Thanks to Shannon LaBianco for allowing her husband to work so hard this year! And for getting me the birthday cake. You are a dear!!!! 

Big thanks to ROB BUTCHER, executive director of US Masters Swimming for coming to GG!

Thanks to David Marsh, for your friendship and advice! You're the best, man! You and your wife.....

I know I'm forgetting people, but I'll have more time to thank again soon enough. Right now I have got to get my daughter, Bay, dressed and ready for the day... See you tomorrow.....

Comments

[Jennie]

Because I'm thankful for GMM, the Bejing vlogs with LaBi (the helmut, the pineapple, the happy news), and all the entertainment provided by you guys in the past few months, I went and donated to the Foundation. Thanks guys - you're doing great work!

[Megan]

I'm rather jealous, Crystal (and Mel! ;)). What about a major meet in the Pacific Northwest?! Now I think THAT would be fantastic. ;)

[Crystal]

yesssssssssssssss ! i live in houston, and making the 3 hr drive to austin for the grand prix. i'm so excited, like you wouldn't even believe. i'm even dragging some of my non-swim loving friends with me... in hopes to convert them to the swim side :P and there will of course be epic amounts of partying on 6th st.

can't. wait.

[Mel Stewart]

Thanks Crystal! 09 should be great.... Aren't you in Texas? Going to the Austin Grand Prix? I'll be there to report on the races.....

[Candace]

Thanks for the mention. Very glad to have gotten caught up in this crazy world of swimming and always happy to support it :)

[Crystal]

the beginning of the vid is great, you two are hilarious! it looks like you two have a lot of fun together.

seriously can't wait for 09.

and happy thanksgiving ! hope you have a good day :)