By Erin Himes, Swimming World College Intern
Heading to a mid-season meet soon? Looking for something to get you excited to swim fast? From tearful Olympic moments to pump up videos, here are seven inspirational videos you should definitely be watching in your hotel room.
1. The Famous Lezak finish
We have to start with the most obvious. If this come from behind finish doesn’t give you chills and make you want to compete for greatness, nothing will. Team work and will to win shine through this incredible Olympic victory.
2. The First of Many Ledecky Golds
No, she doesn’t break a world record in this clip. But there’s something extremely motivating about hearing the commentators say the race is going against the usual script. In her first Olympic Gold, Katie Ledecky shocked everyone. Now, she’s unstoppable. Let that pump you up!
3. Rise and Swim
Full of reminders of how easy it is to give up, this video reminds you why you put in all of the work and just how much strength it takes. Reflecting on your own hard work will help fuel your confidence over the course of a meet. Plus, exciting images of the best of the best will get you hyped.
4. The .01 Win We Won’t Ever Forget
On the quest to eight golds in one Game, Phelps almost fell off course. Keyword: almost. This race is a reminder of two things that you should be thinking about before any big meet: it’s never over until you hit the wall and the utter importance of flawless finishes.
5. Simone Manuel’s Historic Victory
I don’t think there was a dry eye in any house after Simone Manuel tied for first in the 100 free this summer. The race is epic and her reaction will give you chills. This clip will motivate you to race all of your competitors to the wall like you never have before.
6. Maya Dirado’s Comeback Win
No matter who you’re racing, you stand a chance and you can do it. Dirado’s come from behind victory over Katinka Hosszu in the 200 back in Rio was remarkable and is incredible pre-race motivation to fight even when you feel behind.
7. Rule Yourself
The most epic swimming pump up video of all time? Likely. Watching the Greatest Of All Time put in the work is utterly inspiring. Another excellent reminder of why all those early mornings were well worth it, this video will make you want to get out there and race.
Bonus Clip:
Oh, did I add this twice? Yes, I did. You know you want to watch it again. Now get out there and get after it at whatever big meet you’re taking on!
All commentaries are the opinion of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Swimming World Magazine nor its staff.
Joe Molinari, Joao Ama, Chloe Isleta, Cameron Craig, Ben Olszewski 🙂
Aiden Smith
Trent Cuzens
I’ll never forget was great!
Bayleigh Turner
Nancy Harms
I’d also like to nominate Klete Keller’s finish in the 2004 Athens Olympics 800 FR.
Jack, love it!