Allison Schmitt Speaks at Georgia Commencement: ‘Dare to Dream Big’ (VIDEO)

Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

Olympic champion Allison Schmitt delivered the commencement address at her alma mater, the University of Georgia, on Friday night.

While with the Bulldogs (2008-13), Schmitt became an NCAA champion, leading the team to the title and also earning her first Olympic gold medal. She discussed this and more in her speech, including her mental health struggles and how she pushed past failure.

“Dreaming big isn’t just about reaching for the stars, it is about cultivating a mindset of self-belief and having the courage to do that with unwavering dedication,” Allison Schmitt said.

Schmitt graduated with a degree in psychology in 2013.

She is a 10-time Olympic medalist.

Allison Schmitt won the 200 freestyle gold medal in London in 2012 and was the silver medalist in the 400 free, also leading the U.S. to multiple gold medals on relays.

The Canton, Michigan, native then was on multiple gold medal relays in Rio in 2016 and two more relay medals in Tokyo, her third Olympics and second as team captain.

Her speach was not all about victories.

“Use your empathy and compassion to see beyond differences and connect with others … a place where everyone can be their authentic selves,” Allison Schmitt said. “Embrace failure as a friend not a foe … I lost more races than I can count … and fallen short of achieving some of my dreams … Failure is not a roadblock, it is a stepping stone to the best versions of ourselves. … That failure became the catalyst of my greatest successes. … Dare to dream big.”

But the bottom line is …

“We need to work together to make a better future.”

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