Beijing Olympic Games, 2008. Crocker, Phelps, Cavic, Lauterstein.
100 meter Butterfly final.
Yes, there would be more races toward the 8th Gold, but this one was the test of greatness that would last.
Four different athletes.
Two distinct race plans between them.
All would come together at the finish.
Would Olympic history be set or stolen? That was the question on every ones mind in the Water Cube, as well as on the TV screens of millions of people around the world.
This was a great sports moment that everyone shared. I was fortunate enough to be there and take the photo to the left. Another in my series of Swim Geek Photos.
Have you had a moment like this that maybe only you know about?
My highest profile(pressure) moment came in 2008 in Florida minutes before Mark Warkentin was to enter the water for the World Championship 10k trials. It was a moment I was prepared for. We (coaches) generally coach our athletes to need us too much and a result of that is a habit they have been taught. Go see your coach before you swim for instructions. I have always hated this cultural habit in swimming. It was a little different with Mark. Mark came over to see my confidence level in him. My confidence in his preparation and ability to not only make the team but win the race was so high that I was afraid he would think I was bluffing in our pre-race "talk".
In his training, we had covered everything from the sport science of technique, training, race analysis of all competitors, methods of training for an open water race in a pool, arriving from altitude on the perfect day. We lined everything up and left nothing to chance, yet were ready to react to any changes at any time. I spent countless obsessive hours researching open water races, cycling tactics, currents, drafting, positioning, and most important of all every aspect of every competitors past race tactics. All we needed to happen was the start of the race.
It was the best and most confident race advice I had ever given:
"Every decision you are about to make in this race is the right decision, you can not be better prepared for this race. Now go win."
He did.
Life changed.
I love it!!
Now go get to work on creating that moment!!
