Random Quotes

We read everything we can that is related to sports and high level performance since we know that the information we see stimulates us to think about how we might apply it to what we are doing, be it in the pool, the weight room or on the coaching deck.

Here is a sampling of this week’s encounters. Thanks to Al Saracevic, Christopher McDougall and Michael J. Stott respectively for their writing.

Bay Area sports psychologist John Ellsworth was asked what he thought were the mental keys to success in the upcoming NCAA Men’s March Madness Basketball Tournament. "1) Trust what you know to be true – teamwork, preparation, leadership and mental toughness. 2) Focus on the process, which means staying connected to the present, in the moment and totally connected to the immediate task at hand. 3) Mental flexibility. Don’t complicate things by overthinking about a play, situation or mistake. Distractions only create mental congestion, and mental congestion restricts mental flexibility.”

This is from Herb Elliott, Olympic champion and world-record holder in the mile who trained in bare feet, wrote poetry, and retired undefeated.

“Poetry, music, forests, oceans, solitude – they were what developed enormous spiritual strength. I came to realize that spirit, as much or more than physical conditioning, had to be stored up before a race.”

And from Tony Batis, head coach, Palo Alto Stanford Aquatics we get the following message.

“Anything in life lends itself to burnout if delivered the same way day-in and day-out. While there are stable components to all programs, I believe the pattern in which it is presented and how it is delivered greatly impacts the outcome.”

If you have any favorite gems please let us know and we will share…it does have a positive impact on our collective swimming community. Have a great week!