To The Greatest Olympian
“It’s what you do in the dark that puts you into the light…”
Michael Phelps has had his fair share of issues outside the swimming pool. From DUI’s to speeding tickets and bong hits, he seemed like a train wreck in the making. And that saddened many of us who are native Baltimoreans and shared pride in one of our own.
It’s easy to forget that Phelps in many ways, was just a kid at heart when many of these egregious blunders took place, blunders accentuated by his celebrity. He was a 20-something, and who among us didn’t make mistakes during those formidable years?
For Phelps, it was probably even more difficult than it was for you and me.
Let’s try and put ourselves into his Speedo.
Think about the endless hours he spent in the pool when his friends were out doing things that kids of his age do. Think about what he might have missed as he remained committed to the pool, steadfast in his resolve, focused upon greatness.
You understand that greatness comes with sacrifice. Among the sacrifices is your youth.
Yet the itch to explore, experiment and experience new things, never goes away – only ignored, in part. It’s human nature.
And then one day, when you think you might soon hang up the goggles and swimming cap for the last time, all of that emotion that had been bottled up for so long, bursts and manifests itself into behavior that isn’t exactly honorable, to say the least.
Ridicule comes your way. Parents criticize and wonder what kind of role model you are.
“How shameful!”, they say.
One day someone you admire inspires you. You realize through the gifted epiphany how extremely unique your gifts are and instead of walking from them, you embrace them – wholeheartedly. Yes, you’ve sipped from the cup of greatness, but now you have an opportunity to redefine it and become the standard upon which all other achievement will be measured.
Like The Grinch who finally realized the true meaning of Christmas, you feel invigorated.
You will not be denied.
You have battled adversity. You’ve conquered it. It’s a sign you see in your rearview mirror and there are only blue skies ahead.
So what kind of role model are you?
A real one. One who made mistakes. You refuse to allow those mistakes to define you.
Only unparalleled greatness will.
That’s the story, at least in part, of Michael Phelps today.
What happens from this point forward is anyone’s guess. But if ever a picture told a story, it was Michael Phelps standing proudly upon that top step, adorned in gold as the Star Spangled Banner played – the anthem written just a few miles from his backyard. It was a picture of pride, accomplishment – and when those tears welled up, it told a tale of climbing back into the light.
For Phelps, it will be his last goodbye, his Olympic swansong.
And what a joy it’s been for not only Baltimoreans, but also Americans and people throughout the world to say they have witnessed a once in a thousand years athlete.
Here’s to your next chapter Michael.
May it bring you the peace and happiness you’ve earned.
(Press play and prepare to be inspired!)
