There's nothing more exciting than a new world-class swimmer bursting onto the scene. When it happens, I always wonder, Are they affable, smart and media savvy? In Thoman's case, he's all of those things.
I met Thoman for the first time in Arizona, with Chris LaBianco (The USA Swimming Foundation's Chief). We were on a corporate weekend, a sort of informal "get to know ya" between sponsors, USA Swimming staff, and stars from the National Team. Thoman was shaven then, very proper and neat, though his personality peaked through over dinners and evenings out socializing.
Thoman's smart. There's no doubt about it. And his sense of humor's causally kind, usually self-deprecating. But he's no pushover. Thoman's just so comfortable with himself, all I can think around him is, Wow, he's got great leadership qualities!
All that said, Thoman's got his work cut out for him, competitively speaking. I was just trading emails with a high-profile swimming blogger (and USMS member), SWIMMER BILL, and he broke it down for me. I'm paraphrasing, but here's the gist:
SWIMMER BILL: Thoman's up against Ryan Lochte, Aaron Peirsol, Matt Grevers, Randall Bal and Peter Marshall. And that doesn't include Michael Phelps, who Thoman, interestingly, didn't mention in his interview. Thoman's training with Bob Bowman now. I wonder if Thoman knows something we don't.
I personally don't think Thoman knows if Phelps is adding the 100m back to his schedule. (I bet Bowman and Phelps keep that info close to the vest.) I think Thoman's focused on what he has to do, and riding the excitement and positivity that comes when you've truly become world-class. Thoman will have some income to help cover his training expenses in the form of USA Swimming financial support. He should also be locking up an apparel deal (if he hasn't already) sometime this summer.
These are heady times for a swimmers who are entering the pro ranks. They're in a honeymoon period after our '08 Olympic success. While the market is dangerously weak, USA Swimming is remaining stalwart. I'm not bragging or saying we're kicking-butt, but we're not hurting either. Swimming's on solid footing, which bodes well for when the market recovers. I think our sport is going to shine like it never has before over the next 3 years because we're financially healthy now. And if your name's Nick Thoman, you're perched on the precipice of an overwhelmingly wonderful career!
****Many thanks to Thoman for stepping up and supporting the USA Swimming Foundation. As an Ambassador on behalf of water-safety, he has shown his great character.****
I think Eve and I are going to have to do a vlog about your interview technique. Don't even get me started!
Posted by: Candace | February 24, 2009 at 08:52 PM
You bring up a good point! There's some serious talent in the 100 back and throwing MP in the mix just adds to the depth of the event. Does Thoman swim the 200 as well, or does he stick to the shorter races? I must do some research... ;)
Posted by: Megan | February 24, 2009 at 12:31 PM
Megan, he's a big guy himself. Not Grevers big, not a giant, but big... I think the real question is if Phelps is swimming 100m back....
Posted by: goldmedalmel | February 24, 2009 at 11:52 AM
I'm excited to see what he'll do in the pool this year against the big guys, so to speak.
Posted by: Megan | February 24, 2009 at 11:25 AM