2008 Beijing Olympics

Since this relay over 14 years ago, I have watched it no less than 200 times. After that event, I met Jason Lezak at a swim clinic. I have even interviewed Garrett Weber-Gale and Rowdy Gaine for a webcast. ((Send me a note and I will send you a link to those interviews))

Here is the race - 2008 Beijing Olympics 4x100 Relay

Most recently I met Cullen Jones also at a swim clinic.

I introduced myself and told him that I had one question. The question was why he wasn't behind the blocks during the celebration even though he was the 3rd swimmer leading into Jason Lezak's great swim.

His answer was genuine.

He told me he was too tired to pull himself out of the water. He said they were told that international rules allowed them to swim to the side and get out of the pool via the ladder.

He also said he had the best view of the finish!

Now when you watch the video again, you can pick him out at the finish line in the bottom right corner of the screen. You then see him come back to the team and celebrate. And then he sits down, still exhausted from his swim.

What a fantastic life lesson.

You pour your heart and soul into something that you are too exhausted to climb out of the proverbial pool.

What if we all lead our lives in a manner that we give everything we have every time?

Watch the video again. You will have a new perspective on Cullen Jones. And maybe new paradigm on working hard and being exhausted in the persuit.