Legendary journalist Charlie Rose recently hosted two of the most well-known men named “Michael” in sports when he sat down with 23-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps and basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski, who has won five NCAA championships with Duke and three Olympic gold medals with Team USA.
Rose was attempting to dig out the keys to why Phelps and Krzyzewski have been so successful in their respective sports over the years, and he asked Phelps to reflect on his incredible career.
Both Phelps and Krzyzewski returned for another Olympics in 2016 after vowing to be done in 2012. Again, both promise to not return for another Olympics, and Phelps seemed sure that he would not change his mind this time.
“This is what I wanted in London, Phelps said. “I wanted closure in the sport. I wanted closure in my career. I wanted to hang it up the way I wanted to.”
Watch the full interview to hear Phelps explain where he got his sense of self belief and how he has dealt with his toughest moments and his best moments and also to hear him discuss some of his favorite parts of the 2016 Olympics.
For much of the interview, Coach K worked to try to get Phelps to spill his secrets on what has made him so dominant and what kept him motivated for such a long period of time.
“It’s really an honor for a coach to sit next to him,” Krzyzewski said. “He is as great an athlete that has ever been placed on this planet. It’s crazy that he’s done it for five Olympics.”
“I’m not blowing smoke—he’s a Maryland fan!”
Watch the full interview below:
Great interview
Phelps must have wanted Krzyzewski there, otherwise I think Rose would have Phelps alone. Afterall, Rose had just done a long interview Marie Sharapova – apparently having her doping ban reduced by a few months made her worthy of Rose fawning all over her. Note that Rose didn’t do the coach Krzyewski thing (on Sharapova) trying to get her to spill the secrets of all her come from behind third set victories. Rose spent time supporting Sharapova’s version of how she was wrongfully punished. I could have a smidgen of respect for that if media people would interview all those in the fight against doping. In Rose’s case, he has a lot of making up to do for all the times he interviewed Lance Armstrong.
Phelps was interesting in the interview; Krzyzewski was uninteresting, even worse than a typical coach. One thing he was saying is how much of a champion’s success is in their mind- as if it is the overwhelming most important thing. I call BS. Yes, the mental part is key but one doesn’t develop their champion mental determination unless they had everything else going for them in order to have big success. Then it becomes an invaluable tool. One has to have the natural ability, the right preparation, and the right emotion. Then they can add the champion mental toughness.
Phelps answered correctly when Rose asked him if he had advantages. Phelps acknowedged he has a unique body perfect for swimming success.
I’m sure Phelp’s is indeed retired because it is obviously the right time for him. Someone like Lochte, who was never at the top despite being one of the all-time few best swimmers, should try again. I would. If he can put a fully determined mind to it.