Inspirational thoughts from Mike Powell

Last week UCLA announced that jumps coach Mike Powell is stepping away from the track and field team to focus on some of his other responsibilities. With the Olympics right around the corner, the long-jump world-record holder is going to be a hot commodity on broadcasts and at special events. Powell is also a motivational speaker and shares the story of how he achieved greatness.

After this spring's dual meet against USC, Powell has showed that he's one of the nicest guys you'll ever find around the track. I dug into the archives and found this quick interview ...

Who are you most excited to watch right now, looking forward to the national trials and Beijing?

Out of our athletes, Nichole Leach, definitely! Rhonda Watkins, my long jumper, jumps for Trinidad. She's been hurt so she hasn't been able to compete the way she wants to, but we're taking our time with her. She's definitely got a chance at getting a medal this summer.

I'm a fan of the sport, so even seeing some of the kids from 'SC, I like to see them run well, also. I wish the best for everybody. Hopefully we always win ourselves, but still. You never know what athletes you're going to wind up coaching down the line, with the national team or something else!

As an inspirational speaker, what stories do you tell?

My story: coming from being the underdog, to overcome the odds, and break and unbreakable record. It's my story of success. Being the underdog, peanut-head, skinny kid who can believe in himself and reach unattainable goals by other people's standards.

What was the biggest inspiration for you growing up?

Family and friends who believed in me, who were always positive. My grandmother and my brother are my role models. My grandmother always told me, 'Be good to people, and good things happen to you,' and I've always lived my life that way. My brother's one of the hardest working people I've ever known in my life. Somehow I've been able to carry that confidence into anything that I do, even when it seems like I shouldn't be able to do it. I feel like, 'If I work hard enough, I can do it!'

By coaching, I've been hoping to pass that on. It's not always going to be about breaking a world record, it may be about getting your degree or getting a certain job or whatever else. It's about having a positive attitude. I'm about positivity and achieving your dreams.

What's the best way to share your message with your athletes?

I try to be as transparent as I can possibly be, let them know that I'm full of mistakes. I'm not afraid or ashamed to be goofy, and not ashamed to be wrong and to put myself out there. They see that and realize that I'm humble ... my buddies kept me down to earth all these years and let me know I'm still just a peanut head! [Laughs] No matter what I do, that's all I am. So I've had that fortunate situation where I've had people keep me in line.

Comments

[durai]

nice post and informative.. i like to spend ample time with your blog..visit my site too.

[JosephineBruin]

powell has always had a great personality. too bad we're losing him as a coach, but he'll touch more lives by working with others in track and field. he's a true blue bruin inside and out! that's what being a bruin is allllllll about baby!

[todd]

Mike has always been a great guy. Having known Mike for over twenty years I always so this guy that had exceptionl work ethic and desire to win. He is one of the greatest all around athletes I have met and with that overcoming all odds character---He will always be a success!!