Interview With "Gold Medal Mel"
Thought you would enjoy this video and print interview I did with Mel Stewart for his “Gold Medal Mel” blog/website.
When I was a swimmer back in the 80's, Mel was a god — the greatest 200 butterfly swimmer of his era. Not only did he hold the world record in the 200 fly (my event) for eons, I believe he still holds the record for the most national titles in one event -- an unbelievable 14! More than any other male swimmer in USA Swimming history, Michael Phelps included. Mel highlighted his amazing swimming career with 2 gold medals and a bronze at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
For those who may not know, Mel is a giant. A true champion among champions and one of my all-time swimming heroes.
When I was a swimmer back in the 80's, Mel was a god — the greatest 200 butterfly swimmer of his era. Not only did he hold the world record in the 200 fly (my event) for eons, I believe he still holds the record for the most national titles in one event -- an unbelievable 14! More than any other male swimmer in USA Swimming history, Michael Phelps included. Mel highlighted his amazing swimming career with 2 gold medals and a bronze at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
Of course Mel doesn't remember, but I will still never forget the drubbing he gave me at Junior Nationals in Ft Lauderdale back in the summer of 1984 when he was only 14 years old. It was clear back then that he was truly special -- that he would become a major swimming star. And he did not disappoint. He remains one of the greatest swimming talents of all time.
In any event, today Mel is a model renaissance man himself. A husband, father, screenwriter, filmmaker, television broadcaster, journalist and overall phenomenal ambassador for the sport of swimming. And if that's not enough, Mel is selflessly giving back to the sport he loves as an active spokesperson on behalf of the US Swimming Foundation, a fundraising organization that (among many other things) brings swimming education to underprivileged youth nation-wide. In short, he is a guy who is not only passionate about all things swimming, but committed to giving back to the sport he loves -- an inspiration for us all.
In any event, today Mel is a model renaissance man himself. A husband, father, screenwriter, filmmaker, television broadcaster, journalist and overall phenomenal ambassador for the sport of swimming. And if that's not enough, Mel is selflessly giving back to the sport he loves as an active spokesperson on behalf of the US Swimming Foundation, a fundraising organization that (among many other things) brings swimming education to underprivileged youth nation-wide. In short, he is a guy who is not only passionate about all things swimming, but committed to giving back to the sport he loves -- an inspiration for us all.
To point, Mel is relentless blogger and advocate of all things swimming through his voracious social networking on Facebook, his articles on SwimNetwork.com and his very entertaining blog posts, articles and videos on his Gold Medal Mel website, where he chronicles with a unique "bon vivance" all aspects of the sport from world champions to human interest stories.
It has been very fun following his journey and getting to know him a bit through Facebook and I am honored that he found my Ultraman journey worthy of his blog. Hope you enjoy it!
Click HERE to visit the GOLD MEDAL MEL site.
Click HERE to visit the US SWIMMING FOUNDATION site.
Click HERE to visit SWIMNETWORK.COM
Click HERE to visit Mel on Facebook.
