GOLD MEDAL MEL

For MICHAEL PHELPS insiders (NOV 29th)

Reactions to my open letter to Michael Phelps' agent were swift and insightful. It's clear Michael has a lot of love from his fans, but it's also crystal clear that many are worried about him. 

I want to say this once and for all: Michael's going to have fun and do what most any guy would do at this point in his life. (Outside of the water, he is as normal as any guy you'll meet.) Unfortunately, every move he makes has been and will be captured and preyed upon because of his fame--which sells magazines.

From my experience, hovering around the periphery (at competitions, or parties, or Phelps appearances), he's slammed by people "wanting him." It must be exhausting. But he seems to handle it well. I think he gives a lot of canned answers in interviews to simply to pace himself. And he has to stay "on message" when he's talking about swimming. What else is there when you're Mr. Swimming. 

Also, reporters rarely ask him interesting questions. When they do, Michael gives interesting answers. I think a big issue for us (those in the know, with an understanding of swimming) is that we've already heard all the answers. There's still a huge population getting indoctrinated, so to speak. Michael (and his agent Peter) are well aware of this.     

So, to the point of this blog: If you're in the know, and want something more, go to the reporter who knows Michael best, specifically one that has been following Michael's narrative from his hometown. I'm talking about Kevin Van Valkenburg of the Baltimore Sun. 

Kevin's young, talented, and about as lovable as any guy I've meet this past year on the pool deck. He's the kind of reporter who can go anywhere--behind-the-scenes, into the hallowed halls of power--because he's very unassuming. In lieu of meeting him, watch him star in this episode from Chlorination:

 

Kevin won Michael's (and Peter Carlisle's) trust. As a result, Kevin started capturing Michael on video as he interviewed Michael this past year. The camera's eye, static and low, is obviously from sitting on a table at a restaurant. It gives you the feeling of sitting with Mr. Swimming, and his answers are as honest as I've ever heard from him:

MICHAEL PHELPS on MOTIVATION 

MICHAEL PHELPS on his COMPETITIVE DRIVE

MICHAEL PHEPS on his SIMPLE LIFE

MICHAEL PHELPS on the JOYS of BALTIMORE

MICHAEL PHELPS on his FUTURE 

A big, big thanks to Jennie for sending me these links. They used to be on YouTube (which I live off of), but were taken down. 

An interesting note: Octagon was not happy about these videos--from what I heard. I don't think it's the content. I think they were feeling the "media pressure," and wanted to maintain as much control as possible rolling into Beijing. While I understand the need to control Michael's image, these turned out well. I LOVE THEM, because Michael's so real...

An Open letter to Michael Phelps' Agent

Hi Peter! I mean Mr. Carlisle. How are you? I see that business at Octagon is humming along. That's nothing new. Like everybody else--and by else I'm talking about global Olympic-fans and individual Olympians--I've been wondering how you're handling Michael Phelps' career? I know you've been busy since Beijing, but has your work been inspiring? Or has it been stressful and overwhelming? I only ask because I recently read that you've been receiving up to 50 endorsement offers a day. And, of course, we all know you just signed Michael Phelps on as a spokesman for foot-long sandwiches at SUBWAY.

Subway... You caught some heat on that one. MEDIA BISTRO called Michael a spokeswhore, though they didn't consider your overall marketing plan... I got exceedingly angry and upset. I want Michael Phelps (and ALL OLYMPIC SWIMMERS) to make as much as they can. (It's a childish "want" in me, someone who identifies with the Olympic-movement, and desperately desires any kind of Olympic appreciation.)  I get it. Subway is expanding throughout Europe, and with Michael posed to star again in 2012, in London, you must continue to build a glorious Michael marketing machine.

Michael Marketing..... I like the sound of that. I bet Harvard MBAs, in the near future, will be taking that class. I bet they'll study you, the "king-maker," the way they study Jack Welch (GE's former-star CEO, if you're not in the know, a sort of Godfather to corporate climbers salivating for golden parachutes).

I'd like to take the Michael Marketing class. I'd like to know the ins and outs of your endorsement vetting process. I'm not the best student, though. (I'd probably fail out.)  My way of learning is too big and broad and backwards. I can't help but see subjects in their end result, when I should be paying attention to the baby-steps in the creation process. 

With Michael, I only see the end; the masterpiece portrait, the legacy of his life, hopefully well lived. I know Michael has a foundation, and I appreciate his building a charitable institution, but let's look at the biggest picture of all, stage-earth. How are you casting him on that? Maybe you already have. If so, forgive my ignorance... But if you haven't, what's the purest element of existence Michael can merge with? Water of course... Will Michael be the clean water crusader? Will he fight for clean rivers and streams? Or will Michael fight for clean drinking water in Third World countries? The reason I ask is because I see Michael as royalty, literally an aquatic king, and no image is more powerful than a sovereign showing compassion, giving life where it was once lacking.

According columnist Ed Bagley, you estimate Michael's career value in the 100 million dollar range. That's a whole lot of beans. I'm excited for you. I want Michael to see every single penny. Michael's a good guy. He's warm and easy-going... More importantly to me, Michael, as an every day guy, is very funny. I think humor is the key to connecting with people. Combine that quality with compassion, and you got a transcendent personality. Michael has these gifts. I've seen them myself. He's become a pro at handling the media. He dealt with me once when I came at him from left field, in an interview back in February:

Peter, I believe in what you've done so far with Michael Phelps' career. I know your PR people and how protective they've been with his image. I know it was necessary. You deserve a huge amount of credit for that. You kicked-butt in Beijing.  But what's your global, charitable, long-lasting vision now???

READERS, if you have a vision for MP's future, share it with me. Michael, however private he may be, is now our aquatic ambassador. I think he should consider all opinions, the wisdom of the crowd. Fans are pulling for him. We want the best for Mr. Swimming. 

GOLD MEDAL MEL: NOV 26th

SUMMER SANDERS is BACK!

PETER MARSHALL is pure PRO-SWIMMING!

ROB BUTCHER plus US MASTERS SWIMMING = Serious Marketing!

When SUMMER SANDERS swam at any swimming meet, she brought a certain level of easy-going fun that was always a treat. As a multi-Olympic-medalist back in 1992, she captured the hearts of men and women all across the United States. Summer went on to host several TV shows (most notably "Inside the NBA"), and she called the swimming portion of NBC's Telecast of the Olympic Games. After that Summer took a break. She found love with a pro-skier, got married, and had two babies.... Summer's been a mom for a few years now, and has loved every minute of it. Now that her babies are no-longer babies, she's back on the super-star circuit. I caught up with Summer at the 2008 Golden Goggles. As you'll see in the video, she hasn't changed a bit:

I also caught up with Summer at the 2008 Olympic Swimming Trials in Omaha. She was there as a spokesperson for JOHNSON & JOHNSON and 24 HOUR FITNESS. She was with her youngest boy, Spider. Yes, she calls him Spider. Watch the video and see for yourself: We're lucky to have Summer Sanders back. I know she's hitting Hollywood looking for new work. Watch for her soon on TV. Knowing Summer, she'll be a great host for some television series...

PETER MARSHALL! I finally spoke to him by phone. He was in HONG KONG, on vacation, trying to make sense of his swimming success on FINA's WOLRD CUP circuit. Peter, of course, broke two short course meters world records in the 50 and 100m backstroke. I could hear in his voice, over the phone, all the way across the Pacific, that his times were a surprise. He came off a little shell-shocked, in GOOD WAY!  THE BEST WAY!  PETER's on CLOUD NINE!  

I'm writing my GOLD MEDAL MEL column for swimnetwork right now. In it I'm breaking-down the evolution of Peter's progress, and how he got to be where he is now...open to new endorsements, and new training techniques, and more pro-swimming, and more world records in the future. If you haven't seen his world record swim, check it out here! Click on this link! 

As the year progresses, I'll be checking in on Peter Marshall, a man on the cusp of swimming history. Peter's not retiring. He's staying in the game. He is because of a new avenue for our athletes: PRO SWIMMING!!!!

ROB BUTCHER looks like a former Versace Underwear Model, but don't be fooled by his pretty face. Rob's all business and great at his new job: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF US MASTERS SWIMMING. I caught up with Rob at Golden Goggles, where he attended as a member of the CHAMPION'S CLUB, as supporter of the USA Swimming Foundation:

Since August, when Rob came on board, he's been on a crusade to bring all swimmers back to the fold. CASE IN POINT: I didn't swim masters, but I did swim to stay in shape. I did it alone, without any friends or a sense of team and community.  After meeting Rob, I decided to sign up. It was the best decision I've made since I retired from swimming back in 1996. 

I'm going to masters nationals in CLOVIS next spring. I plan to swim some fly and sprint free, but mostly I want to reconnect with a part of my life that was so rewarding. My times aren't bad, but I certainly won't win my age-group. My goals are simple: I want to be healthy and have an incentive to practice and race. I've heard the slogan for years, EVERYONE'S A WINNER IN MASTERS, but I never really understood it... I get it now. My wife's swimming, and loves it. It's been great watching her improve so dramatically. She's coming to CLOVIS NATIONALS too, but I can't promise she'll race. I can promise that she'll help me blog and vlog about all the stories of the meet. I want to play a part in telling as many masters swimmers' narratives as possible.... I've only been in masters 4 months, but I've been making friends with other masters swimmer I can't wait to see in CLOVIS; Tony Austin, Brandon Franklin, Stephan Grant and Kelly Evans Legaspi....

If you're swimming alone, like I was, and want to make your workouts more enjoyable and fun, join US Masters Swimming. Go to www.usms.org and sign up....  

 

GMM NEWS Nov 22th: What now?

I'm depressed. I'm lost. I have no path to take...swimming-wise...... Well, not really, but this weekend, the weekend after GOLDEN GOGGLES, after celebrating this historic year, it feels that way. 

I, of course, have a path, and a plan, and goals for 2009, but everybody else is worried about the economy. 

I'm not! I think SWIMMING is in the profit-pocket! A little piece of heaven! A warm-wet, safe-haven of goodness and prosperity! As a whole, the swimming community is going to shine in 2009! 

What to do? Thank everyone that came along for this ride, so far, and to remind them, my GMM PARTNERS, that I remain a passionate fan of all things OLYMPIC, especially swimming. 

Aside from cutting more behind-the-scenes videos (hours of media now, which I'm behind on) I'm building out this site. I'm going to reach-out monthly to age-group swimmers, and masters swimmers, as well as those world-class types.... 

Bottom-line: I love bringing attention to the great personalities in our sport. Some are kicking-ass online, in their own way. Case in point: 2008 gold medalist in the 4x100 free relay, Garret Weber Gale. Check out his blog. You might like it. He's a foodie, and smart, and he writes VERY WELL.

 

Masters swimmers? I'm a fan of Tony Austin. He writes the best masters blog I've read this year. Check him out!

Have I missed anyone? Hell yeah! The fans! I have connected with thousands of swimming fans since August alone. Many have become good friends (thanks to facebook and youtube and swimnetwork).

My heart, however, belongs to Chris LaBianco (aside from my wife, Tif). Many of you know him as "LaBi" from our Olympic vlogs. LaBi's the head of USA Swimming's Foundation, and the most positive person I've met in many, many years... Sounds funny to gush about LaBi, but what he's done for swimming as a whole, this year, is mind-boggling! I won't be able to share it for a few months, but I can, slowly, next spring.... Better yet, LaBi can vlog about it (maybe even in a Chinese fighter-pilot helmet). 

NEWS TODAY?  STEPHANIE BROWN TRAFTON has won, or is about to win the JESSE OWENS award. Stephanie's not a swimmer. She's an Olympic discus thrower, and the first American to win gold since 1932. I interviewed her at the Olympic Games in Beijing. She was exceedingly tired, but a real  trooper...very nice. 

GMM NEWS Nov 20th: Golden Goggles TEASER VIDEOS

GMM NEWS Nov 19th: Golden Goggles Blues

• The event's over and I want to weep. Chris LaBianco, Head of the USA SWIMMING Foundation (along with Matt Farrell and Mike Unger and many, many, many others) pulled off an incredible shindig! HIGHPOINTS: Hearing the crowd go nuts any time JASON LEZAK'S name was announced, Bob Costas cutting in on presenters' speeches (saving them really), and Donald Trump presenting Male of Athlete of Year to Michael Phelps. I, personally, appreciated seeing BOB BOWMAN receive the award for COACH OF THE YEAR. Bob, who is so unflappable, got emotional onstage. It was only for a brief second, but you could tell he knew he was a part of SWIMMING HISTORY. I remember Bob Bowman as an assistant coach 20 years ago back in Las Vegas. He was only in his 20s, but so, so serious.   
• Stars were out in force. I got video of many. My videos are teasers really, behind the scenes snap shots, which I will post later this week. If you want blow-by-blow coverage, go to SWIMNETWORK.COM. My SWIMNETWORK interviews, which were completely off the wall, will post next week. I asked the 2008 Olympic Team members "insider" questions to gain truly probing information: who was the worst roommate, the most likely to sleep through the swim-practice. Their answers will surprise you. (I'll post an announcement the day before they appear on SWIMNETWORK.)   
• After GOLDEN GOGGLES, VIPs meandered about and later they met up at FACES & NAMES, a trendy Manhattan haunt. I got photos of my friends, but these 2 were the most interesting:  Gary Hall Jr.'s TUX shoes appear above, pink CHUCK TAYLORS. I wanted to wear my CHUCK TAYLORS with my TUX, but my wife wouldn't let me. I argued that my mine were gray and conservative. My wife said "no," my boss, LaBianco, might fire me. When GARY walked on stage to present an award in his hot pink shoes, jealousy welled up inside me. Gary remains the coolest man in swimming...  
•  The charcoal-gray NIKEs belong to MATT GREVERS. He wasn't trying to be tight. He didn't have tux shoes that fit. He tried to wear ADAM RITTER'S tux-shoes, but they were too small. GREVERS, who stands 6 feet 9 inches tall, opted for NIKEs instead of suffering through the gala night... 
• In a couple of days, after I return home, I'll write in-depth about the Golden Goggles. (I'm still in NYC, recovering from the go, go, go gala weekend.) You can catch my blow-by-blow account at SWIMNETWORK, in my weekly column, GOLD MEDAL MEL. Here's a link to my last post, GOLDEN GOGGLES MEMORIES. In it I recap my insecurities and impressions about the evolution of AWARDS SHOWS in SWIMMING.  
• Later this week, I will also post video and photos of my NOV 16th Birthday Bash. Thanks to everyone who came! You made it a special night!  
• For a recap of all GOLDEN GOGGLES WINNERS, go to USASWIMMING.ORG. 
• IN THE NEWS TODAY... 
• Cameron van der Burgh and Marieke Guehrer are the men's and women's champions of the 2008 FINA World Cup! They took home 100k a piece in what has become the best professional series in the world. (Over the Golden Goggles weekend, Olympians and coaches talked about the possibility of a US professional swimming series that would mirror the World Cup. Stay tuned throughout 2009 as that story develops.)  
• Reuters reports that UNIVERSAL SPORTS has expanded into 9 major-markets with their television coverage of OLYMPIC-related sports.
• Michael Phelps is still making serious coinage! Phelps, along with coach BOB BOWMAN, have finally bought their hometown swimteam. What does this really mean? Are they the start of the first truly professional swimteam? 
• Michael Phleps named "G.Q. Man of the Year" 

GMM, Friday, Nov 14th: I got a HAIRCUT & my TUX

GMM News, Nov 13th: Swimming Fan Etiqette

•  If you haven't noticed, swimming has gotten huge! With the Michael Phelps media-bump the sport of near-nakedness is always in the news. New fans are showing up at swimming meets. The stands are over-packed! At meets this past spring and summer I saw giddy teenage girls and analytical swimming geeks. With all this new attention, I've gotten lots of emails. My social-network's been growing and growing, swelling with over 2000 new swimming fans!  Many questions keep popping up, and I thought I should answer them. They're simple, but important. They're about etiquette at swimming meets. Kyla Jane, my facebook friend, was one of the most gracious about asking. She actually listed her questions, and I'm thankful she did.  
• HOW DO I GETS TICKETS? At big meets, with world-class swimmers, like the GRAND PRIX SERIES, you can go to usaswimming.org and click on the link. It'll open to the meet website, which will give you all the info you need.
• HOW LONG DO MEETS LAST?  Good question! The prelims last all morning, and the finals usually run for 3 hours in the evening. I'd only go to the finals to see the big races. However, if you want autographs, the prelims are the best. World-class swimmers (Olympians) are more relaxed after their morning swims. You can wait at the exit door in the aquatic pool lobby. Swimmers are famously nice about taking time to sign their name.  
• ETIQUETTE IN THE STANDS? Cheer loudly when your favorite swimmer swims. If a swimmer walks through the stands (to see their coach or family), they'll smile or nod at you, letting you know if it's ok to talk to them. If they don't want to talk, they'll keep their eyes down, or face-forward. If swimmers are in the stands between events, they'll stay focused and quiet. 
• FAN ETIQUETTE: Go to your favorite swimmer's online site. Register there. Comment on their message boards. Let the swimmer know you're following them. World-class swimmers pay attention to their personal sites. Often times you can develop a friendship, and they'll share with you the ups and downs of their life. Swimmers have a lot of down time between practices. Many are on facebook and will welcome you as a friend.   
• WHERE TO FIND WORLD-CLASS SWIMMERS?  The Grand Prix Series is probably the best way to see a world-class swimmer during the year. USA Swimming's Grand Prix Series lasts from NOV until JUN of next year.   
• if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask me. I'll do the best I can to help you enjoy the sport of swimming. If you have any ideas on "fan info" that you'd like to share, please comment on my page so we can discuss it here. If you're a fan of my videos and want me to cover a specific subject, suggest it and I'll do what I can to capture it on camera...
• GOLDEN GOGGLES is on Monday, Nov 17th. I'm going to be there, and I will be vlogging with all of the members of the USA Olympic Swimming Team. The entire weekend, NOV 14th-17th, will be all about swimming. We have clinics and parties, and....more parties to attend. If you'd like to see something specific (an interview with an athlete), let me know. If you post a question for an Olympian to this site, I'll do my best to ask it. You can put the words in my mouth. I'll say, "This question comes from Kyla or Chris or Marry. They want to know why you got your style of Olympic ink?" (Olympic tats are the rage among Olympic athletes.) 
•  Get involved! Connect with me! The sport of swimming's growing fast. Let's grow together so we can get closer to our stars and enjoy swimming....  
• SEE PETER MARSHALL'S back-to-back WORLD RECORDS in STOCKHOLM! 
• SEE all FINA WORLD CUP results here!
•  Did you miss my latest GOLD MEDAL MEL column about MILORAD CAVIC and MICHAEL PHELPS? See it here.  
• See highlights from the 2007 GOLDEN GOGGLES!   
• Want to see your favorite OLYMPIC SWIMMER in action? Come to one of the GRAND PRIX SERIES SWIMMING COMPETITIONS this year! See schedule here. 

GMM News Nov 10th

• Leisel Jones, Aussie Olympic gold medalist in the 100 Breaststroke, is skipping 2009 World Champs in Rome.  
• VIDEO LINK: Aaron Peirsol talks about continuing his career to 2012. 
• It's the 7 DAY COUNT-DOWN to the GOLDEN GOGGLES AWARDS SHOW! Check out the NOMINEES! 
• MASTERS CLINIC in NYC, Sunday Nov 16th, with 7 Olympic Swimmers! Sign up! 

Lezak, 4x100 Olympic Legend, Drops the PUCK

Caught up with Jason Lezak during one of his many post 2008 Olympic appearances. Lezak was in Bakersfield, CA, dropping the PUCK at the Condors hockey game. When I mentioned on Facebook that I'd be talking with Jason, there was an overwhelming response. EVERYONE wants to know what's new in Jason's world. 8 days out from GOLDEN GOGGLES, Jason talks about his nomination for the PERSEVERANCE AWARD, and being the star of Frenchmen's nightmares.

GOLD MEDAL MEL NEWS 11/8/2008