Its never too late, BUT Just Do It!

I received a really cool and suprising email this last few days. It was from a swimmer that I new previously who stopped comepting over the last 2 years. It was in response to the Gods Champions blog. I trust the individual wont mind - no names - but i have put an snippet from the email in here.

"it seems that God is doing so much with swimming at the moment and making a stand within it. I was always so disappointed in myself that i didnt make more of an impact in other people lives for Christ when I had the chance for so many years, but we all grow and learn from our mistakes. Its so inspiring watching swimmers grow in christ as it has always been viewed from the inside as a sport that is about dedication, but so secular in its persuit of drinking and sex unfortunately. Im writing to you to encourage you in your stand for christ its so awesome that you want to make a difference from the inside..."

This was so inspiring. Guys it is never too late to start and try make a difference and testify to our faith. The important thing is too learn from our mistakes and make that stand. Make that stand now! And dont wait any longer. As mentioned in the email as sportsmen there are opportunities all the time, so seize the moment and Just do it!

Just as the individual encouraged me to to stand for Christ i want to encourage one of you that read this blog to make a stand. If you have not up until now it is not too late, but start! Once again it is encouraging to see what is happening and to the person who emailed thanks for your words.

God bless
SB

PS> 5 days and counting and the whole world goes on a watch the Olympics mode!

The challenges of a coach

Saturday saw the last of my swimmers leaving for their home countries for the final camps before they compete at the Beijing Olympics. This brings together the total of 8 swimmers from different African countries and 3 swimmers I worked closely with (them and their coach) that will be representing South Africa. This leaves me with mixed emotions. Different feelings are running through my head and heart. These are most often positive and negative ones. These include:

• Having wished them well as I saw them for the last time ever (as some of them from the African countries won’t be returning) and others till after the Olympics
• Knowing that everything I could have done was done BUT was it enough?!
• Knowing there is nothing else I can do to improve their preparation. As they now enter into the FUNNY phase, we scientists and coaches refer to as The TAPER!!! Now it is just up to their bodies to respond and recover. They need the rest.
• Trusting that I have allowed for enough rest for those coming off big volume and those not that the stimulus I am still providing to them with the programs has incorporated enough rest so that they don’t go into the event feeling tired. Rest is such an important aspect of performance and cannot be neglected and is not less important that good volume of training. One soothing thought is that as a top world re-known Australian recovery specialist says – Work hard + rest well = Best performance – and that even God the creator of all worked on this principle. He worked hard at creating the earth (as you know that is no small feat) and then on the Seventh Day he RESTED!!!
• Realising that I will not be there for them during the final lead up to probably the most important event of their lives. But having faith that I have prepared them well, imparted knowledge, confidence and the Knowing what to do on them that they will be successful. And letting them have the realisation that even though I am not their with them, that my heart is there with them and every stroke they take.
• Hoping / desiring / wishing for contact with them just to hear that all is going well and everything is on track according to plan.
• Finally the only thing left to do is commit their lives, the last 15-20 days of preparation (whilst on training camp with the national teams and coaches for their respective countries) and their performances at the games to the Lord, that that if it is his will and he is satisfied with what has been done and what they stand for, their will reach and even surpass the desired and potential achievements there are destined for.

Race well Guys!

God Bless

SB