Roth Regatta

On Sunday, August 17, 2008, swimmer Michael Phelps made Olympic history by winning his 8th gold medal in one Olympic Games. In the momentous 400 Medley Relay, Team USA brought home the gold and a new world record. Phelps won the race with the help of Jason Lezak, Aaron Peirsol, and Brendan Hansen.

This swimming phenomenon proved that the biggest dreams can come true. In a historic series of swimming races, Phelps broke the record previously held by Mark Spitz for more than thirty years. In 197

2, Spitz won 7 gold medals at the Olympic Games in Munich, Germany.

The video footage of these Olympic Games will be played by swim coaches for decades to come, but Phelps’ amazing gold streak yields great lessons for all athletes. The commitment, hard work, and drive it takes to achieve such an athletic feat is awe-inspiring. When you look for a way to motivate kids to succeed in sports, look no further than Michael Phelps.

A native of Baltimore, Maryland, Phelps is an unassuming young man

of 23 who seems to take each wonderful moment as it comes. His strikingly humble demeanor belies the discipline with which he focuses on each race.

When using Michael Phelps as a role model, be sure to include these four points to motivate young athletes:

1. Set a Personal Goal That Includes Milestones. If you can set your goal with periodic milestones, you will find it easier to achieve your dream. NBC repeatedly reported that Phelps’ coach, Bob Bowman, set goals for the young swimmer to co

mpete in 3 Olympic Games. The Beijing Games in 2008 marked Phelps’ third Olympic experience. How is that for setting an achievable vision?

2. Practice Makes Perfect. No one works harder than Michael Phelps in the pool. It takes mental toughness and commitment to follow his grueling schedule. Natural talent was clearly not enough to achieve everything he did this year in the pool. His narrow focus enabled him to win each race.

3. Improving Your Technique. Although reporters like Rowdy Gaines praised Phelps more for his speed than his stroke technique, it was noted that Phelps improved his breaststroke techniques over the years to become more competitive in individual medley events. Technique is an important aspect of athletics. Encourage children to focus on how they perform in their sport. The end result of winning or losing isn’t the only thing that matters.

4. Getting Competition Experience. Michael Phelps has been to 3 Olympic Games as well as many other international races. His competitive experience is impressive. Even though he is only 23, his international exposure (including attendance at previous Olympics) helped to prepare him mentally for these 8 gold medals in 2008.

Michael Phelps’ Olympic feat of 8 gold medals reminds us that no dream is too big. If you set your sights on an important personal goal, you are one step closer to achieving it. Don’t just become inspired by others. Inspire yourself by achieving your dreams one step at a time.