Bob Bowman: Characteristics of a Champion

Bob Bowman is the Head Coach of Arizona State University's Swimming & Diving Team. Coach Bowman served as Team USA's Head Olympic Swimming Coach for the 2016 Rio Games. And, as you already know, coached the greatest Olympian of all time, Michael Phelps, throughout his entire illustrious career. Now, in retirement, Michael cooks Bob dinner several nights a week while he gets to play with the kids.

Brett and Bob begin with corona virus and Coach Bowman's decision to redshirt his entire team.
Several years ago Bob gave a speech entitled, "The Characteristics of Champions". In this episode, Brett turns the tables to find out how these characteristics relate to him, Bob Bowman, as a champion swim coach.

"How do I become the next Bob Bowman?" - Brett Hawke

Brett and Bob go through each of his champion characteristics:

Champions have a clear plan for success in achieving their goals.
Champions produce normal and predictable performances in very abnormal and unpredictable environments.
Champions rehearse success on a daily basis -- physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Champions value the process of success more than any particular outcome.
Champions have a dream.
Champions have a passion for pursuing their vision of success that will overcome obstacles, get them through the tough times, and carry them to spectacular performances throughout their career.

Enjoy!

00:00 Intro

01:00 Bob’s Current Life

01:30 Decision To Redshirt Entire ASU Team

03:30 Explaining The Decision To The Athletes / Buy-In

07:00 “Characteristics Of A Champion” - From Bob’s Perspective

9:30 Longevity of Michael and Bob’s Coach/Athlete/Personal Relationship

12:30 How To “Develop A Clear Path To Success” / Goal Setting

15:45 Personal Background and Struggles

19:00 Contemplation Of A Career Change

22:00 Explains “Challenges Make You Learn And Grow”

23:45 Explains “Champions Have Normal and Predictable Performances In Abnormal And Unpredictable Circumstances”

25:30 Advice For Coaches On Emotional Regulation / Routine

29:45 Explains “Champions Rehearse Success On A Daily Basis”

34:00 Explains “Champions Value The Process Of Success More Than The Outcome”

36:45 “Champions Have A Dream” / What’s Bob’s Next Dream

40:00 Why Bob Demands Daily Excellence

42:00 Michael’s Presence On Deck

44:15 Michael’s 100 Butterfly At The 2008 Beijing Olympics

46:45 Mental Preparation / Visualization Story

49:15 2001 Fukuoka World Championships 200 Butterfly / Michael’s Mental Breakdown

52:30 How Bob Handled Michael Post-2008 / 2012 London Motivation

56:00 Bob’s Response To Michael’s Negative Press

58:45 What Separates Michaels From Other Great Athletes

65:00 Michael As A Teammate

70:00 Michael As A Person

Subscribe, Review, Share!
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3ydMAzJ...

Connect | Brett Hawke
On Instagram @hawkebr
  / hawkebr  
on Twitter @insidewithbh
On Facebook @insidewithbh

Connect | Bob Bowman, ASU
On Twitter @coach_bowman

Produced by:
SWIMNERD
https://swimpractice.com/blogs/news/i...

#swimming #coaching #olympics