Walking the plank

I remember saying to a reporter in Omaha a few weeks before the Olympic Trials were set to begin: “I feel like I’m walking the plank, that any second I’m going to fall.”

In life, a few of us manage to age gracefully, fade away, putting up the good fight that none of us can win. Father Time takes us all. For an Olympic athlete, there is no setting sun, no twilight of a long career.

At a certain age you make the Olympic team or you’re done. Eventually you aren’t going to make it. It’s a walk on a not-so-long plank of wood, followed by a fall and a final splash.

It’s so morbid.

At 33 years of age, I was far past being a veteran in the sport of swimming. I knew the end was coming. Frankly I was surprised that “the end” hadn’t come sooner.

It’s not the confidence one might expect from a guy who won the last three Olympic Trials, who is a two-time defending Olympic champion, the guy who occasionally wears a red, white, and blue cape with sequins.

My body had changed. I was older and I felt older. I had always been in the habit of listening to my body, and lately my body was telling me a lot more than it ever had before, especially in the morning.

Recovery time after training had become as important as the training itself.

I was still swimming fast. Very fast. It just hurt more. I knew that I was going to have a great swim at Olympic Trials. I had trained really hard, made so many sacrifices. The work was done. I was as prepared as I could be.

21.91 seconds.

My time at Olympic Trials in the 50-meter freestyle was fast enough to win any previous Olympic Games.

That’s something to be proud of, particularly at the advanced age of 33.

I placed fourth.

The top two swimmers qualify for the Olympics. My time of 21.91 seconds placed me 12th in the world for 2008, and I can expect to be bumped quite a few more slots by the time they extinguish the Olympic torch at the Closing Ceremony.

This sport of swimming has gotten a lot faster.

When Tom Jager, the world-record holder in the 50 meters freestyle for close to 10 years, retired from the sport in 1996, he bowed gracefully saying, “It is better to try and fail, than fail to try.”

That line stuck with me. It’s probably the reason why I was still in the pool at the 2008 trials racing against younger and faster swimmers. We won’t know what we’re capable of until we try, all the while knowing that one day, we’ll dig deep and it won’t be enough, or it won’t be there at all.

It takes courage to try, to lay it all on the line. If you’re able to do that, well, that too is something to be proud of. I am able to say that I tried. I really gave it everything I had, and I came up short. There is no shame in that.

Even though I didn’t make the team, I’m going to Beijing. I will be writing and reporting on the events and atmosphere, the good and the bad, the triumph and tragedy that come with every Olympics. I’m looking forward to it. I’m going to have a great time.

In the interview with that reporter, I told her that I was happy, really happy. Olympic Trials have come and gone and I didn’t make the team. I’m still really happy. Life is what you make it. I have a new chapter to look forward to.

I walked the plank, and, after making a bit of a splash, I’ve found that the water’s not too bad after all.

-- Gary Hall Jr.

Inspired by Diabetes is a global campaign that encourages people touched by diabetes to share their stories with others around the world. The program is a collaboration between Eli Lilly and Co. and the International Diabetes Federation’s (IDF) Unite for Diabetes initiative. In the U.S., the American Diabetes Assn. is the program’s national advocate. For more information, visit inspiredbydiabetes.com

Comments

[James Duncan]

Hall has inspired us all with his supreme ability and willingness to lend huge support to the American Diabetes Association. His words promise to be equally inspiring. We look forward to his knowledgeable commentary on the Olympics. The hints he has dropped about a possible political career to follow are equally intriguing.

[Kirstie Bolitho]

Gary is a true America Jem. Giving hope and inspiration to millions. He has always been known for his "straight talking" and we look forward to reading his blogs throughout the games. Millions of Americas will want to here what Gary has to say!

[Felicia Daniels]

Gary is very much a wonderful inspriation as I live with diabetes and MS. His words encourge me to live life and not to give up reaching for the GOLD but to realize the GOLD changes as our journey moves forward. I am sure many more will be inspried by what Gary has to say!

[Amy Kathryn]

Thank god Gary is going to Beijing to bring some more of his lively spirit to the sport even if its not in the water. Im looking forward to hearing what he has to say about the events that go down at the olympics - especially in swimming.

[Nicky G]

America needs Gary Hall, Jr. He brings so much excitement to the sport of swimming, and he is an inspiration to so many people. I am not only looking forward to the blogs, but it would be nice to see some commentating as well...Gary Jr. is not only a world-class athlete, but he is also an entertainer. When he is on television, I sometimes look at the faces of the people around me....everyone has a grin from ear to ear.

[Eric B]

Gary- it was a pleasure watching the "Godfather of Swimming" over the last 10 years compete...you brought a new life into swimming, someone with personality that wasn't afraid to speak their mind. (I feel like the rest of the swimmers are programmed to use cliches when interviewed, gets old after a while)....anyway, good luck with the blog and the rest of your career!

[Barbara Singer]

Great article Gary. You are a true inspiration to everyone who sets goals...not only in athletics but in life. And I never knew you were a writer. It's no surprise that you're great at that too! I look forward to your articles from the Olympics, from the perspective of someone who's "been there, done that!"

[Patty Soffer]

Gary, you are a hero to us. We understand turning the page in life. We understand the opportunities that await. We are here now and always to partner with you in your altruistic pursuits.

Your name is carved in stone as one of swimming's greats. Imagine the other laurels that await. A hero is always a hero. Only the vehicle changes.

Have a blast in China!!!!!

[Jonathan]

inspiring. thank you.

[Jeanie Vidaurreta]

Gary, we are all looking forward to your candid insites from China! Thank you and enjoy the "next chapter"!

[Kurt W]

You go Gary! I remember when I retired from swimming, I felt old....at 24. I was the oldest guy in the 100 free at my last nationals, at 24. I think when Rowdy won the 100 at LA in 1984, he was 25, and considered old. Doing what you did at 33 is totally awesome and I am very happy to see Dara Torres hanging in there too! Swimming needs people like you and Dara, and Jason L to show people that getting older just means to train smarter. I was really pulling for you at the trials, and was jumping around my TV room yelling. Nothing wrong with 4th, and trying your best. You are an inspiration. Thank you!

[K Greenwell]

what a wonderful commentary by a man entitled to an opinion in the sport of swimming...and the world of athletics overall. Cheers to Gary for his awesome efforts in swimming.....not to mention his charasmatic writing skills.

[Jeff Harvey]

Gary you are the Man! I look forward to reading you column. I'm sure that it will be nothing short of awesome. My thanks to you.

[Jan H]

Thanks for giving us your best. Your are in inspiration.

[Charlie Snyder]

Dear LA Times:

Thanks for giving Gary Hall Jr. this forum.

A word of advice ... sign him up now for a three-year deal. You're going to want to have him writing for you before, during and after the Olympic Games. He can write interestingly and well about many topics.

Charlie Snyder

[R. W. King]

There was a great scene in the movie "The Natural". Redford's character asked the sportswriter if he had ever played ball.

Many commentators and writers at the Olympics will be qualified to comment on the sports they are covering but few will be better able to appreciate the nuance and detail of olympic level swimming than Gary.

Good for him for being there and good for the Times (hopefully) for sharing his observations.

[Ann Marie Sunderhaus]

Great writing style! Well written- heartfelt and truth. Thank you for sharing your insight andthoughts with the public. You are a true inspiration to the all sports and athletes. I definitely look forward to hearing more about the Olympics and am happy it will be coming from a well respected athlete who will now share his knowledge from the other side.

[j. L. Briggs]

Inspiring, Gary Hall is truly one of the greatest swimmers of our era. 33 may be old age for Olymic swimmer but Gary is young enough and has the attitude to go on and achieve great accomplishments. Something tells me years from now Swimming will be only part of what Gary Hall Jr. is remembered for.

[Stephen Frink]

Very nicely stated, Gary. And, congratulations for your many achievements. As one who had the pleasure of watching the Race Club train here in the Florida Keys, and spending a bit of time with them in the water taking their photographs, I realize the passion and commitment Gary and his Race Club buddies have for their sport. Swimming is a very individual endeavor, and a 1/10th of a second or so is a massive differentiator, particularly i the sprints. Hard to imagine how much work and dedication go into each of those 1/10ths of a second when competing at that level.

[Mark D Breen]

Gary Hall Jr is a welcome addition to your blogging community. He calls it like it is, knows what he's talking about, and is not afraid to say it. Go Gary!
PS Can Phelps capture 8?