I've said it for a long time now: Ryan's got star-power! That unexplainable, effortless charisma! Women want him and men want to be him, or, at the very least, vicariously live through him. But that doesn't do Ryan justice. The appeal goes further than that. After spending 18 months around him, I think I've figured it out.
Ryan's a got a big heart. Sounds cliche. Maybe silly. Doesn't make it any less true. It does, however, fly in the face of what you expect from a guy who has signed with the Ford Modeling Agency. You expect arrogance, especially if the guy's pocketed 6 Olympic medals in an era competing against the greatest Olympian ever.
Ryan doesn't have a hint of that.
In the video above, the conversation's about nothing. It's just Olympians hanging out, passing time between charity work and hard workouts. You probably laugh at the funny parts and go away smiling. Shooting and editing it, I spend a lot time with the content. The video's not so funny on the 50th viewing. It becomes work trying to capture the essence of each moment.
What I do notice are tiny things. Ryan gets interrupted, but he doesn't seem to care. He's never offended. He allows others to speak. Ryan also acknowledges everyone in the room. And he's quick to include them, no matter how odd the subject. There are the obvious moments in the video; Ryan saying he's getting a new tattoo, his family members' birth dates. But did you notice the reference to when he'd get it? He says after Wold's, then corrects himself, saying "or World trials." I don't buy that he doesn't think for a second that he won't make the World Championship Team. He corrects himself, because it's slightly arrogant to openly assume.
I'm huge fan of Ryan's, as I am of most Olympians. (Matt Grevers, who entered the video 3/4s of the way through, has character far greater than I've ever witnessed in my career, a subject we discuss in my next GOLD MEDAL MINUTE.) But Ryan means more to swimming than "the powers that be" realize, or, much less, even begin to imagine.
Swimming's gaining traction as a sport for the masses. I think Ryan's the key. I know he's the magnet. Beyond the swimming community there isn't a whole lot of interest for Olympic swimmers, unless your name is Torres or Phelps. Ryan, however, has pulled in a large base of non-competitive swimming fans. I think they've stuck around after the Olympic glow has died because he's a good guy, aside from being funny and good-looking.
Ryan's following can be attributed directly to the web, specifically the members of LiveJournal's THE DAILY REEZY. They've kept up with his every word and movement in the media.
I reached out to THE DAILY REEZY when my wife noticed their blog. I did so with a lot of excitement. Finally, I thought, my sport has non-competitive swimming fans. I have never said this openly, but I was criticized for this by some, swimmers who didn't appreciate anyone peering inside our relatively small swimming clique. I didn't care. I so was thankful non-competitive swimming fans noticed the sport and cared.
Now, over a year later, I'm certain I've benefited by making this connection and friendships with them. April 14th until today, USA Swimming held a vote: "Which Olympic Legend should appear on the 2010 Athlete Membership Card?" I was in the running with a lot of big names. While I have core swimmers from the community who voted for me, I know the fans from THE DAILY REEZY (as well as Eve, Candace from OH YES THEY DID, and many great Facebook friends) delivered the huge numbers. The last time I checked, I had over 70k votes.
I can't express how thankful I am. My daughter joined USA Swimming this fall, and I think she'll really get excited if her dad's on her membership card next year. She loves swimming and has shown some talent. Tiffany (my wife) and I are trying to keep it fun, but it's a tough sport and any encouragement we can give her goes a long way. At the very least, I'll think she'll stick it out through 2010.
Thank you for your support! I hope I can continue to bring you Olympic content you appreciate.
~gmm
I agree with everything here. I couldn't say it better myself. We love and appreciate all that you do to deliver some of the most entertaining videos/ blogs/ vlogs out there. Aside from all this, I have to say I've made some pretty great friends recently through being a fan of Swimming, you, and Ryan (and obv. all the other great swimmers out there). I can't wait for Charlotte-- it's going to be insane. I'm glad there's a few of us ladies from the DR representing the "Reezy Nation" at UltraSwim. I don't really have much to say except: Thank you, Mel!
Much love from over the river in Jersey! :)
Posted by: Heather | May 11, 2009 at 07:44 PM
Mel, that was one of the best videos yet. We at the Daily Reezy have so much respect and love for you. You are the best embassador swimming could have. Have fun in Charlotte! We'll be watching!
Posted by: calidreamn/Lisa | May 11, 2009 at 07:17 PM
Though we love the man that is Reezy, you really should be taking most if not all of the credit because 99.9% of the content everyone fawns over is delivered by none other than Gold Medal Mel himself. We love everything you do and all of it, aside from being entertaining, really helps in keeping some of us new swimming fans interested in swimming and wanting to learn more about the sport.
Much love from NYC.
Posted by: Candace | May 11, 2009 at 07:10 PM
Mel, you are really too good to us! Sweet video, and I hope you are right that Ryan is at the forefront of making swimming even bigger in the U.S. Thank you!
Posted by: Robin | May 11, 2009 at 04:36 PM
I agree with 'The Daily Reezy'! I've been a a fan of your interviews and videos for a long time and i ALWAYS love them. As a Ryan fanatic, I love the positive things you mention about him. I don't comment often but I felt the need to this time and I just want you to know that your work is greatly appreciated and to keep it up Mel, thanks!!!
Posted by: Italia | May 11, 2009 at 02:48 PM
We at The Daily Reezy have so much love and appreciation for you and everything you do, Mel, you have no idea. This has to be one of the sweetest and funniest videos you've ever put up.
Best of luck to Bayley and her swimming!
Posted by: Lisa | May 11, 2009 at 02:08 PM