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, he coached swim teams. As part of a research project, he studied why only a small % of swimmers became Olympians.
As a swim team coach Chambliss said he was mostly a glorified babysitter. He never coached any swimmers who wanted to make it to the Olympics. When he was a competitive swimmer, he never thought about it either.
Initially Chambliss hypothesized that the Olympians had more dedication, determination and discipline. But he discovered was Olympians loved everything about training to swim faster. 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. They raced and trained in their free time.
He also discovered that Olympic training required a significant level of support and specific 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.
As an example, many Olympians families relocated for a specific swim team or coach.
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 to me. 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. Year round he had practice or a game several days a week. Over summer break he would go to summer sports camps. I remember several years where he added competing in triathlons “just because”.
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 as recreation. I would even go to watch other kids play sports so I could hang out in the stands with my friends. For me, it was entertainment.
My friend went to college on a basketball scholarship. When a shattered ankle ended his basketball career, he switched over to a baseball scholarship. As far as I know, he never made it beyond Division III. 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.
