When Things Go Right...

MUSINGS FROM A COACH - 18 JUNE '24

Jennifer and I have begun our sports watching on TV for this summer with USA Swiming Trials for the Paris Olympics. Watching these athletes swim through preliminary races, then semi-finals and ultimately the finals is massively exciting and heartbreaking.

Seeing up-and-coming athletes make the team by finishing first and second in the finals (second place doesn't get automatically selected, but most often is), I feel like I'm watching history (I am, duh). All the work, the potential, the expectations, etc. seem to pay off for these young athletes.

But watching the veterans - those who've already competed and often medaled at previous Olympics win their event is even more impressive to me. Being a repeat champion is a giant leap above a one-time champion in terms of commitment, adaptation, growth and mental tenacity. It's just so impressive! Then some just come up short - sometimes by .01 seconds! USA has over half of the top 10 men's 100-meter breaststroke athletes in the world, and only two get to go to the Olympics. The women are almost in the same boat. It's crazy to think four years of sacrifice and commitment come down to a fraction of a second. Drama! And I love the interviews after the event. All the athletes who make Team USA are just filled with complete gratitude. They know how easily the outcome could have been different. That's why just making it to the Olympics and Paralympics is such a huge accomplishment. There are so many things outside of athletes' control that when it all goes in their favor, and they execute, it's a moment to celebrate. The experienced athletes know that.

And that goes for all of us amateurs as well! When things go right in an event or race, celebrate! Enjoy the reward of racing and pat yourself on the back. Leave the critical analysis for a later day. Let gratitude fill your soul!

Gratefully,

Mark

CEO Team MPI