Michael Phelps is a proverbial, "Zen roshi," when it comes to channeling anger or disappointment in a productive way. Not only is it his best "weapon," it's a "tool" he should share with society. (A possible second act here after swimming?)When Thorpe, Cavic or somebody else says something along the lines of: "Phelps sucks! He can't do it, I will buy him a real swim suit!" Michael Phelps simply excuses himself form the table, grabs a pair of scissors and politely cuts all of the negative or ad hominen quotes out the paper and tapes in his gym locker as a reminder what he has to prove it and how glorious it will be to triumph in a constructive way.
No athlete is better at doing this than Michael Phelps; he should share
From Swimming World:
BTW, nice suit, Michael!
ANNAPOLIS, Maryland, March 7. SUPERSTAR Michael Phelps was on point at the Maryland State Championships held in Annapolis, as he clipped his American record in the men's 200-yard fly. [...]
[Go to the article to see his time.]
[Link]
7 comments:
Is that picture from the meet in Annapolis, or is it an old file photo? I thought he was only wearing jammers from now on?
I forgot to mention where I got the photo. The photo was connected with the Swimming World article and the backdrop behind him says Connoco Phillips so I suspect it was either a Duel in the Pool meet or perhaps nationals?
That's not Duel. They have British Gas as the title sponsor (and the reason behind the withdrawal from French team). Connoco Philips is only used to promote that meet within the States.
Also Michael was one of the few who wore 2010 jammers all the way during the two days meet.
That was a stock photo, not from Annapolis.
Jason Marsteller
Swimming World
How do we know this sort of behaviour actually benefits Phelps? It's likely he would've won those races/medals anyway. Perhaps he actually swam slower by focusing on pride/anger rather than the intrinsic desire to improve upon past performances.
For example, his time in the 100 Fly in Beijing was well below his capabilities. The media chose to frame it as Phelps making a heroic comeback. The reality was an athlete swimming well below his potential.
But what about at Worlds against Cavic, and Cavi was wearing a superior suit than the LZR or the eight golds when Thorpe said "No way?"
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