What I Learned From Failing To Make The 2012 Olympic Team
In 2012 I failed to make the Olympic team. Finishing 3rd in the 200 Breaststroke I didn’t make the cut but I wouldn’t change any of my experiences for the world. Here’s why.
Road To London Olympics
Today I Won A National Championship
On the evening of May 29th 2007 I lay in a hospital unable to sit up, questioning if I would ever be able to swim fast again. Today I won my first National title and boosted my confidence in achieving my dream of swimming in the Olympic Games.
Think Swimming Is Challenging? This Swimmer Can’t Run!
Running is for Athletes that can’t… can’t catch, can’t throw, can’t hit a ball, can’t swim, can’t ride a bike… I mean there is no skill involved whatsoever, it’s just like walking, only faster… Right? Wrong! Friends, let me share something with you.
Swim For Something Greater Than Yourself
The water doesn’t allow you to communicate while you train, it sucks you into a world of confinement filled with a blurry view of a black line and a pace clock…
Chasing The Olympics; When Dreaming Becomes Real
For years I have dreamed of being an Olympian, but it was always a dream. A dream followed in blind faith that one day, maybe just one day, by a mighty act of God it would come true. This weekend that dream became real. The journey starts now.
I Whinge When I’m Tired; Do Athletes Have A Right To Whine?
I don’t whine for attention or to get out of hard work. I whine to verbalize the pain I am feeling. It reassures me that I am heading in the right direction. In some twisted way it helps build confidence in my training and my ability. But do athletes have a right to whine?
Stop Using A Swim Watch; How I Got Faster With Better Technique Swimming Blind
I did 3 weeks of workouts without my swim watch or a pace clock. At the end of it I was swimming faster with better technique thanks to a phenomenon called “sensory compensation”. Lose your watch and make a breakthrough, here’s how I did it.
No One Succeeds Alone; Why Athletes Need Support Structures
Success at the highest level is a very large, thousand piece puzzle. I am learning more and more how critical this piece of the puzzle is. These are my support structures, and the reasons you, as an athlete need a support structure to perform at your best.
Training Through Pain; The Skill Of Learning When to Back Off
You need to be smart about your training. Training through pain isn’t always the best option. Here are 4 questions to determine when it’s time to push through and when you need to ease up.
Chasing The Dream Of An Olympic Games
This poem got me chasing the dream of swimming in an Olympic Games. It’s a long shot dream, but with a little common sense and a healthy does of determination, you’d be surprised at what’s possible. I hope it inspires you too.
