Heart of a Champion

Presently, we have the Olympics going on and the athlete that has caught much attention is 31 year old Michael Phelps. He is the most decorated Olympian of all times as it stands today, but if you saw him 4 years ago, then you would have never thought he would be in Rio breaking records. Gratefully, we are defined by what we do today, not what we did in their past. Phelps through his struggles shows the worlld that champions are created, not born this way and that you can make a comeback if you choose to do so. And that there is freedom in your present choices, not your past.

After winning big in Beijing Olympics 2008, Phelps set up foundations in his name and in 2012 announced his retirement. Swimming was his identity and he did not know who he was upon taking this break from swimming. He found himself struggling with depression, drugs, and alcohol. After his second DUI, he went into rehab and upon his release, he decided to do what he always did which was to get back to swimming. Last night, he stood on the stage and broke the record of all records obtaining 22 gold medals. He is a champion without any doubt. He is father and soon to be married man so hopefully he will be able to incorporate swimming into his lifestyle that will afford him a balanced and fulfilled life when he retires this year. Instead of focusing on the past and his struggles, I want to focus on the heart of a champion.

I have watched Phelps throughout his Olympian career because the world swiftly recognized that he was “special” and especially talented in the water with flawless swimming techniques. I watched and marveled last night as he seemed to find the nitric oxide booster in his body as he left the rest of the field behind to finish first and win his 22nd gold medal. Many wonder how he has done it, but there really is no mystery. He has had laser beam focus on having his body and mind ready for that day. Anytime an athlete gets into their 30’s, questions if their bodies will handle the rigorous demands and he has shown the world that he was ready. Can you tell his age? I would say yes you can as he is the slowest to get out of the water and he appears exasperated after his races. However, he trained his body and his mind in and out of the water for the gold medals. He was not going to be denied or distracted and this is the heart and focus of the champion.

For Phelps, he has been on that Olypiam Medal Podium many times so seeing the outcome before it happens would be a bit easier, but he too has to make sure no matter how many times he is going for the gold that he remains focused. It was amazing to watch other athletes what appeared to be trying to attempt to distract Phelps, but he remained calm, collected, and focused. The same athlete was looking at him in the water while Phelps was still focused on the finish line and as he won the gold. One lesson Phelps has resounded to the world is that a Champion is in competition with himself (herself) and no one else…not even your competitors. No one can hold your focus and resolve for you. Champions are committed, not interested and certainly not concerned with their competition. It’s all about showing up as the best version of yourself that you possibly can and this is how champions are created.

I wish Phelps all the best after this retirement and I pray that he reinvents himself so that he can find personal fulfillment. Many people say they wish he was a better role model, etc., etc. I say we all have fallen short of the glory and may we not wish for something they are not, but pray for people who struggle and be thankful for his struggles that they use them for the betterment of themselves and others. Our struggles can create greatness in our lives. If Phelps did not self- destruct after announcing his retirement in 2012, he most likely would not have returned to this year's Olympics to break records and to become the champion with 22 gold medals as of today. He is perfectly imperfect as we all are and because he is a Champion more eyes are on him, but make sure that those of us who live in glass houses do not throw the first stone. May everyone one of us turn our struggles into championships in our lives as it is available to all if we guard our focus like a briefcase with a million dollars in it.