Brandon's like me, about the same age, doing everything he can to stay fit, swimming.
There's been a lot of smack-talk about the 50 yard fly at Masters Nationals coming up this spring in Clovis, CA. I've got my goal times, and Brandon's got his, and Keith Dennison is a big question mark. I got a feeling Brandon will be sub 25 seconds. I went about that fast back in November, as a get-out-swim, at the GOLDEN GOGGLES / USA SWIMMING FOUNDATION / MASTERS SWIMMING CLINIC in Manhattan. (Please note: The USA Swimming Foundation will be doing more clinics in 2009, with more Olympians, with great instruction while having a great time!)
Keith, though, he worries me. I trained with Keith at the peak of my career, and I never ever beat him in a practice, in a sprint fly repeat. Keith's a long-time friend and great guy.
However, I have a feeling, Keith's sneaking around, doing double workouts, or something extra between now and Masters National Championships on the side. I don't know what it is, but I must admit I've been worrying about it.
Being an Olympic Gold Medalist in the 200 fly, I shouldn't have anything left to prove.....but I'm feeling the heat, feeling the pressure....I think I need to drill-down and get serious about my tiny swimming workouts. (If any spies out there want to let me in on Keith's plan, I ready and willing to listen.)
I suppose we are all just a bunch of old swimming geeks. That's ok. I can accept it. As a matter of fact, I wouldn't want it any other way...
If you missed my SWIMNETWORK INTERVIEWS at the Long Beach Grand Prix, here they are:
Note: I buttoned my interview with Ous, calling him "MeZOOLIE. I edited the piece and would've cut it to protect my mistake. However, I liked Ous throwing the "peace sign" too much. I would've lost that tiny piece of tape, so I had to live with my embarrassing mistake. :(
Up next on my web talk show, GOLD MEDAL MINUTE, B.J. Bedford Miller, the funniest woman in swimming...aside from also being an Olympic gold medalist....
PLEASE NOTE SOME OTHER bloggers and columnists I've been reading and loving lately:
The year's underway. One Grand Prix competition down and many more to go until World Championships in Rome! After all the great swims I saw Saturday night, I can't wait for the next Grand Prix in Missouri, Feb 13th!
In the vlog above I mentioned meeting Zane Grothe in September for the first time at the American Swimming Coaches Association Convention in Las Vegas. He was just walking around, and he had that look in his eye. Despite being a 16 year old slight slip of guy--tall and very thin--he was absolutely fearless. I really believe he's going to be on the National Team soon representing the USA in the distance freestyle events. 2012 could very well be his Olympic debut. There! I said it! On the record! Check him out for yourself in this swimnetwork interview from September '08.
GOLD MEDAL MINUTE, my new web talk show, is cranking along. I have three more Olympic interviews in the can, and I'm capturing two more today. One is with the only National Team member who has ever gone on to be a minister, and the other is with a multi-Olympic medalist, a huge star. The next episode will be with B.J. Bedford (Miller), who is animated and always fun. NBC Sports said just following her around was like capturing a sitcom.
Don't miss my swimnetwork interviews from the Grand Prix, 7 total. Two have posted already:
If you didn't notice, I absolutely cherish this young woman. She reminds me of all my favorite female swimmers, the ones I traveled with on the USA Swimming National Team.
Megan's as sweet as they come, but by no means a push over. When she swims, she swims to win. She's the best kind of competitor; one you respect for their toughness, but also want to hang out with.
My time has come and gone. I don't have much in common with this new generation of champions, other than a shared history and a mutual understanding of the time sacrificed to achieve--and, on occasion, the feeling that that time was lost.
Megan understands losing. I don't think she'd like for me to dwell on her 2004 Trials swim, when she missed making the Olympic Team by a mere 11 one-hundreds of a second, but it makes my heart feel like bursting whenever I think of it...
The emotion is all summed up in numbers; the years, days, and hours lost. The time lost. I can't speak for Megan, but I know (as many athletes do) how lonely and depressing it is when you lose. You do question yourself. You do wonder if you've wasted your time. (I've been watching network sports for decades, but I've never really heard an athlete speak from that place, that absolute bottom. There is always an "uptick" woven in thematically. The narrative's manipulated for an audience that will only pay attention for the two minute news-opera-bio before they disengage and leave...)
In nontraditional sports (often Olympic sports) big moments to perform are so rare. You spend a lifetime to prepare for what may only be one, two, or if you're lucky, three life-defining competitions. When you lose, it does feels like death. Many athletes describe it that way -- a part me died. I'd like to add that that part doesn't always heal or grow back. That hurt occupies a little part of your brain, and when it's electrically tapped, it cuts your breath away in pain. For me it feels like heartburn, followed by a very, very bitter acid-taste.
Sounds awful, huh? It's not. Not really. In fact I don't fully trust any athlete (or any one for that matter) who hasn't been knocked back on their butt. Everyone has "eaten it" at one point or another. Even Michael Phelps. (Lest we forget, he lost in 2004 to Ian Thorpe in the 200 free--before he came back and ran away with that race in Beijing.)
As for Megan, I can't imagine winning gold at the Olympics, and then waiting and training and sacrificing for a full eight years before tasting it again. I know she had help. I know she loves her husband, Nathan, and I know how kind and loyal he was and has been. I think their story, as a couple, is as interesting as any I've heard. I wish I could write their book, but I have a feeling they're going to write it themselves...
One correction. I have a little more in common with Megan and Nathan, despite the age gap. Aside from both being writers and married (as I am), they are mature beyond their years. Megan and Nathan also held my hand, so to speak, when I got my first tattoo, the Olympic Rings. I would not have done it without their help. Here's the vid:
Get to know Megan Jendrick more at her blog, meganjendrick.net (not dot com)!
Rich Roll could not be properly covered in a mere 6 minutes. He's a renaissance man. Aside from being a super-endurance athlete and a high-powered Hollywood attorney, he's a writer, film maker and producer. Rich rubs shoulders with the entertainment industry elite.
I met Rich via Facebook (as I have with so many interesting new friends). While we moved in the same circles and competed at the same time in the late 1980s, we somehow missed each other. It was clearly my loss. Rich is the kind of guy you want to know; supremely compassionate while pursuing his own, often lonely, personal goals...
Our interview went long, and I made a lot of mistakes, but Rich was patient and encouraging. (He has been since I started social-networking with swimmers and Olympic-fans). There was a section of the interview I could not cut-down into a bite-sized clip for the web. Rich talked eloquently about his Ultraman journey, an almost tribal feeling that enveloped him as he progressed through the 320 mile competition. While Rich, a 42 year old man, was the 3rd fastest American, he didn't go into any detail about his place. It wasn't about that. It was, I gathered, as close to a spiritual journey as anyone could ever experience. He said, "When you're in it, the competition, you want everyone to finish..."
I've known endurance-athletes my whole life, and they all seem to have the same provocative similarities. They live life on the absolute edge, in their work, their personal lives, and when they party.
I always hung with the distance swimmers when I swam. After a 60 mile week of grinding it out, they uncorked and released the pressure valve. Many have gone on to become highly regarded in their respected fields of work or fabulously wealthy. Some have almost made it, or they've flame-out. A few have crumbled into extreme addictions and even gone to jail. Rarely has there been a middle-ground.
You might think I'm reaching on this subject, making a gross generality, or maybe you've seen this for yourself--but I know how these athletes are wired. They must be the absolute best they can be, or they feel they've failed miserably. I've dealt a little with this problem (in marriage, as a father, as an athlete, and in work). I trained with distance athletes, and won Olympic gold, and owe my success to their persistent presence, pushing me year after year in the water...but, in many ways, I knew I wasn't as disciplined as them. I knew they had a psychological make-up that I'd never fully understand.
If you want success, I do NOT THINK YOU WILL GET IT FROM A LIFE COACH; the Tony Robbins of the world, hawking feel-good buzz-lines for life. Watch endurance-athletes. Study their discipline. Investigate their psychology. I don't think everyone should do exactly what endurance athletes do. I don't think life should be so dire, but I do know you will learn a lot. And I'm sure you will always be inspired.
If you read Rich Roll's blog, you'll get a low-key, humble inside perspective of what it takes to do the unbelievable. I'm a reader, and I have a sneaking suspicion, Rich has battled a few demons. He relays the information in a way, though, that lets you know he's bigger than anything life throws at him. For me, personally, endurance-athletes are heroes. (I know I'm not alone in my thinking. At swimming meets--World Champs, the Olympics--watch the Michael Phelps or Ryan Lochtes or Jason Lezaks of the world. They stand up and watch every minute of the mile. They know and respect the most disciplined of us all.)
For the inside stuff on the most grueling competition in the world, go to ULTRAMAN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS and read more.
For the inside stuff on Rich Roll, go to his blog, jaiultra.blogspot.com. (If you're not an endurance fan, go there anyway. You appreciate the information on diet and nutrition.)
Here you go, my gmm holiday gift to all the social-networkers who have supported swimming this year:
Now that I have your attention, I want to thank you all for your support of my life-defining sport.
When I swam, no one paid much attention, except at the Olympics, and even then it was only for the proverbial fifteen minutes. This year more than two billion tuned in to see Michael Phelps, and supporting stars like Lochte (aka Reezy), Aaron Peirsol, Matt Grevers, Katie Hoff, Dara Torres, Natalie Couglin and Cullen Jones. It confirmed something I already knew. Billions swim. Billions go to the beach. Billions understand the appeal of good health through swimming and its rewards, aka "The Swimmer Body," illustrated perfectly by Ryan Lochte.
Conservatively, more than 180 million people swim 3 times a week on the planet. Our numbers are huge. In terms of media-attention, I hope the interest in swimming will hold, but I'm positive it can and will with the support of bloggers and social-networkers around the globe.
I've been asking since August how to make the most of this "tiger-by-tail" situation. I've gotten great feedback, and I've passed it along to the powers that be inside of USA Swimming.
A CONFESSION: I used to be indifferent about my Olympic Governing Body. (FYI: swimming, track n field, and gymnastics operate under the US Olympic Committee). When I swam I was convinced they did absolutely nothing. This year I worked for the USA Swimming Foundation (raising money for "learn to swim" programs), which gave me a peek inside the hallowed halls of power. What I saw surprised me. They work nonstop. They're forward thinking, always looking for opportunities to marketing swimming.
ON DECK FOR 2009: USA Swimming is already prepping for Olympic Trials in 2012! Golden Goggles ended mere weeks ago, and they've already met in LA to set up the '09 gala weekend. And unless you've been hiding under a rock, you know NBC Sports will be broadcasting World Championships in Rome.
Rumors have been flying about a pro-swimming circuit. What I've learned is that USA Swimming intends to beef up the Grand Prix Series. What that amounts to is creating a series of competitions that are more audience and media friendly. Old ideas about the long three-hour finals-format may change. The old guard is listening! They know we need a new schedule to better present our stars in swimming.
I will be on deck all year, and I will continue to follow stories that entertain. (I'm particularly interested in a new star, Dagney Knutson, from America's northern plain.) I'll also be doingON THE ROAD, a show with my partner, Christopher LaBianco. Chris, or LaBi, is the Chief of the Swim Foundation, and he's all about everything swimming.
I know Lochte's about to blow-up with his PR company PMK. I know Matt Grevers, Christine Magnuson, Gary Hall Jr., and many other star swimmers under David Arluck's banner, Arluck Promotions, will be tackling social-media in '09 brilliantly. (More news on that in February.)
David Arluck, the uber Olympic agent based in Miami, has surprised many this year. He continually creates marketing platforms for his athletes with a socially conscious background.
Evan Morgenstein, based in Raleigh NC, reps almost everyone else, and I know he's always booking his swimmers on NBC prime-time shows and other media-outlets. Evan reps Cullen Jones, one of swimming's greatest assets. There are rumors about a major news network's interest in covering him monthly. (More news on that in March.)
For me this holiday season, I'm happier than I've been in 15 years. (I normally get down around December, with the shorter days, but not as much this year.) My daughter, Bay, has been swimming, and my wife, Tif, has been swimming (and I should also mention that she's been supportive of my work all year long). As a couple, with a young daughter, we're happy, but always looking to the future slightly concerned. We hope Bay continues swimming. We hope she benefits from all the positives of the sport. It's helps kids, especially young girls, develop so much confidence and discipline.
In the meantime, while Bay is only 8 years old, still believing in Santa Claus, we'll celebrate her innocence. It goes without saying that I love swimming, but she's my greatest joy of all.
SWIMMING NEWS TODAY, DEC 24TH:
My column GOLD MEDAL MEL: Merry Seasons Greetings just posted on swimnetwork.
US Masters Swimming nets partnership with Blueseventy. In his ongoing march toward making US Masters Swimming a force in the market, Rob Butcher, the executive director, signs a deal with the swimwear company, Blueseventy (considered by many to have the fastest suit on the planet).
Cullen Jones is only one athlete, with one Olympic gold medal.
Swimming's Greatest Asset?
Sure, my title is bold in the aftermath of Michael Phelps' 8 for 8 performance in Beijing. I'm sticking by it, though. In the long run, when swimming history is written in a social context, I know Cullen Jones will be king.
If you considered the face of American today, you can't deny all of the colors and shades. We're a multi-racial nation, and we're better because of it. When different cultures flow together, we all benefit from a creative energy. I believe is it empowering, even life-sustaining. In our on-going story it is what makes us great.
Cullen Jones is aware of his role in this narrative, and he is graciously following in the footsteps of other great athletes who have broken the color barrier. While Cullen is only one color, he recognizes the rainbow as well. Cullen encourages African Americans to swim, but his message encompasses everyone.
If swimming, as a sport, is ever going to reflect the face of American society, it will be because of Cullen's testimonial, and his cross-country promotion of diversity. Cullen Jones is the key. Without him, our story remains the same: near-absence from urban and minority communities.
Sometimes images are more telling! Checkout this kid who is so emotionally connected:
Just because Cullen is a man of color does not mean he qualifies for this role as king. It takes a unique mix of intelligence, charisma, compassion and patience. Fortunately, for us, Cullen has it all. He's a true star. I know. I've been privy to a few conversations, and I've heard about all the companies and media networks clamoring for a piece of his image.
Checkout this commercial and you'll see why:
Additionally, Cullen has sex appeal. I've heard it from many different women, often described the same way: "Cullen's not arrogant. He's sexy and attractive, in a completely approachable way."
Check Cullen out in this video making a connection with a Candace Brooke Silva, a big blogger who follows swimming (among many other things on her show OH YES THEY DID):
Here's Cullen connecting with Heather Lettieri (one of my favorite Facebook friends):
Is Cullen swimming's greatest asset?
It's a tough question when you consider it. Granted, Michael Phelps is the reason we've drawn in fans beyond our niche community, but if we want to sign up kids who have traditionally gravitated to basketball, football and baseball, I believe Cullen, in the long run, will have the greatest impact.
Lohberg, best known for coaching 41 year-old Olympic gold medalist Dara Torres, was diagnosed with aplastic anemia just before the Olympic games. Bal, Cavic, and Brunelli will race multi-national medley relay at the Bolzano International In Italy to raise money for Lohberg's medical costs. Full story here...
