I listened to a podcast this week with professor and author Daniel Chambliss who wrote the book Champions: The Making Of Olympic Swimmers. Chambliss was a competitive swimmer in high school, though not world class. In addition to his academic career, as an adult he coached swim teams as well. As part of a research project, he wanted study why some athletes became Olympians and so many others did not so he spent several month embedded with the US Olympic Swimming team training for the 1988 Olympics in Los Angeles. This team produced several gold medal swimmers and was run by a legendary coach who was known for developing Olympic athletes.
Chambliss spoke about his own experience as a swim team coach. He said that most of the time, it was glorified babysitting. He never had any swimmers who even wanted to make it to the Olympics. When he was swimming competitively, he said it wasn’t something wanted either.
He said the difference between Olympians and regular swimmers was that the Olympians loved everything about training to swim faster. They raced for fun. They practiced deliberately- focusing for hours on push offs, turns, strokes, dives, distance, and every other minute detail. They looked forward to swim practice and hard work.
Initially Chambliss thought that Olympic swimmers had more dedication, determination and discipline. Instead, he said, it wasn’t these characteristics – it was that they loved doing it. That love (and what I suspect is a natural aptitude or athleticism for swimming) made the difference.
He also said that training at that level required a significant level support and environmental conditions: living near good pools, having access to good coaches, having money to pay for team memberships, parents to drive you to practices & meets, etc.
He said that many Olympic hopefuls had families that relocated so the kid could train in the best places.
I not surprised that love of the grind was a key factor. I’ve been working out consistently for more than 40 years. People who know me compliment me on my discipline and dedication. But I workout because I love to do it.
The same goes for how I was able to stay married for 29 years, despite numerous challenges that result in divorce for many couples. I loved being married to my wife.
Or getting up everyday, for 30 years, to walk my dogs. I love walking and I love my dogs.
Or swimming laps – stroke after stroke, staring at the black line underneath me – it’s not mundane, it is meditative, calming, and invigorating.
When I was in high school, one of my close friends was a multi-sport athlete. He played baseball, football and basketball. He always had some practice to go or a game to play. Over summer break he would go to summer camps to train more. I remember several years where he added competing in triathlons to his repertoire.
I always thought, “what a grind that must be to always train”.
Nope. He loved it.
I didn’t mind shooting hoops, playing catch or hitting baseballs with my friend. I would even go to some of his games to hang out in the stands with other teens. But for me, it was just something to do for entertainment. I never had any interest in developing any talent in ball sports.
That friend ended up going to college on a basketball scholarship and when a shattered ankle ended his basketball career, switched over to a baseball scholarship. As far as I know, he never made it to the professional level. I wonder if he still plays or practices today. I’ll bet he does.
I imagine that many people have something like this in their lives. I hope they do.
