What it means to be a Role Model

What a week it has been with the Olympics. If you are anything like me, it has been extremely hard to keep your eyes off the screen. Between questioning whether or not Phelps is human, to being blown away by Simone Biles, the action has been non-stop and top-notch excitement.

There also have been many "aww"-evoking moments. And the one I would like to talk about is the relationship between Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky. Twelve years separate them in age, but the sport of swimming continues to bring them closer. Ledecky always looked up to Phelps during her early years and to think she would now see her last name on the same headline as his must feel so unreal. Phelps has even voiced in post-race interviews how stunned he is by Ledecky's performances.

Now, ten years after little Ledecky got Michael Phelps' autograph, it was his turn to get hers. So as we all smile, laugh, and "aww" over the recent "recreation photograph" that was taken, we have to look at the bigger message here: What it means to be a role model.

As an athlete, you are constantly setting goals for yourself. While your workouts, your coach's master plans, and your everyday hard work are all factors in helping you reach those goals, it's when you have an example that has already been set for you that keeps the fire alive. An example of how to succeed and be tough, the type of athlete who is going to inspire you on your worst days and your best days; those athletes then become one of the best factors that help you achieve greatness.

They are able to say: "Hey, look what I did." So then, in turn, you can say, "Hey look, I can do it too."

That is why it is so important for athletes to remember that they are constantly setting an example, good or bad. Athletes do so much more than make a lot of money (sometimes) and play a sport, all while putting on entertainment for America. And that can easily be forgotten. But as an athlete yourself, those are rarely ever the things you are thinking about when you look up to these individuals.

And now more than ever, it is easier to look up to certain athletes. For example, during my last season our coach wanted each event group to start following a professional runner (who runs our event) on any and all social media outlets. So we did. And I began following Brenda Martinez. Who knew that seeing a post here and there would be the perfect reminder to continue to push myself, to reach for that next step, and to achieve success...because it's out there (even if I didn't believe it).

And it's more than just a social media relationship, you become invested in these athletes. So when their Olympic dreams don't turn out as planned, you are right there in heartbreak with them...and that is what makes the world of sport so incredible.

So I just hope these athletes remember that they have a million little eyes gazing up at them saying, "One day I want to be just like _____." Because for me, the biggest reward as an athlete is to inspire the next generation to be the best they can be. I hope every day that I left my team knowing that it's an honor to be an athlete, and to never take that for granted.

One of my favorite questions as a little kid was, "Who is your favorite baseball player?" And I would answer without hesitation: Derek Jeter. Why? Sure he was young and cute and A YANKEE. But come on. He was the one athlete who showed me from the very beginning what it meant to work hard, stay humble, and be a team player. So throughout my 14 or so years of athletics, serious athletics, what do you think I did?

I worked hard. I stayed humble. And I was always a team player.

Can't Tame the Tiger

Last night, Michael Phelps did something I think we've all been waiting for: he shut-up Chad Le Clos.

We all know the fury inside Phelps ignited back in London in 2012 when Le Clos snatched the gold from him in the race that should just be named after Phelps by now -- 200m Fly. But all hope was lost when Phelps announced his retirement. That was it. Over. No second chance...Until in April 2014 when Alexa Paige's 2012 plea-Tweet finally came true:

Yes. He came back for the biggest splash yet: Payback.

Through the years leading up to the Rio Olympics, there was a little bit of back and forth with who swam faster and when (not against each other, of course). Phelps made ton of mistakes, followed by doing a ton of growing up, while Le Clos, and his father simply grew cockier. 

.@MichaelPhelps is not impressed with Chad le Clos's antics.

For more swimming coverage: https://t.co/Bpy94WsMrM https://t.co/ylAYZgHm1h

— NBC Olympics (@NBCOlympics) August 9, 2016

Chad, haven't you learned to not fire-up Phelps? Well, you learned last night didn't you?

I was on the edge of my seat during the 200m Butterfly, right there with the rest of America. But was anyone else worried about Masato Sakai like I was? Just inches from the wall and I was having horrific flashbacks to 2012 and could barely watch as the men finally touched the wall: seconds feeling like hours. 

But when all was said and done, I could breathe and Phelps finally received the gold medal he deserved. Come on, you know I am right. And before I go, let's talk about that medal ceremony, shall we?

Michael took the podium, was given his medal, now cue the national anthem...

Courtesy of www.SI.com

You could see emotions completely taking over Phelps' facial expressions, even tears beginning to fill his eyes. But then, right towards the end of the anthem, he begins to laugh. At first, I was like, "Okay, he is just so overwhelmed, can't control his tears, and now he can't help but laugh about it." Then I started to realize this was not the case. He was down-right, full-on laughing. He even capped off the anthem by pointing to the stands.

So of course I was curious and had to investigate...

Turns out, Phelps had some buddies from Baltimore in the stands and they did exactly what they would do at an Orioles game...shout "O!" during that part of the anthem. Cute, right? And can you blame Phelps? The guy just won the race of his life (if you ask me), he's on the podium crying, then he sees some of his best buds from Baltimore and New York right there in the stands...in Rio. I am not making excuses. Don't get me wrong, I am not very happy about this...definitely not the most classiest thing you could've done, Michael.

But still, talk about a powerful night.

How do we feel about Phelps?

So as you all probably know by now, it was announced this morning that 22-time medal winner, Michael Phelps has been given the honor of carrying the American Flag during the Rio Opening Ceremony. And in fact, this will be Phelps' first Olympic opening ceremony he has ever attended. So why is the ex-druggie, opening ceremony skipper our flagbearer?

Courtesy of www.people.com

This is an interesting post for me to write because once upon a time Michael Phelps was little Alexa Paige's favorite athlete. "He's so good! He's so cute." He was hands down my favorite guy to look up to (besides Derek Jeter, of course) and when he announced his retirement in 2012, I am pretty sure I was shedding a tear or two right before his hand touched that pool wall for the "last time." Oh, Alexa. I was begging him to pull a Brett Favre and come back in due time...well, clearly my wish was granted.

Before we get into the controversial stuff, let's address the fact that Phelps has not been to an opening ceremony. Turns out, I will be the first one to stand up for him on this one. "You’re on your legs for like six or seven hours and it’s a long night," he [Phelps] told NBC. And that is the last thing you want to do when your event is just hours following the next morning.

Trust me, I can recall numerous times my teammates and I would beg our coaches to return to the hotel room if two-day track meets ended up going past 9 P.M. We valued our sleep, especially when we had to get up the next morning at 7 A.M. and give our peak performances. Again, I am comparing Olympic athletes to DI athletes, but still. I can relate. Don't even get me started with their housing accommodations in Rio right now.

My point is, the only one who should be upset about missing the ceremony is Michael himself.

But I also know what you are all thinking, as I am thinking the same myself. Michael Phelps has gotten into a lot of trouble over the years, to the point of nearly being stripped of his medals. So why is he so honorable to carry our flag? Yes, he has really cleaned himself up over the years, in many ways (i.e. he now has a family, reconciled with his own father, etc.) No, what he has done is still not excusable.

Courtesy of www.emaze.com

But let us recall that at the end of the day he is the most decorated Olympian. That right there says a lot. The guy is more relaxed than I think he has ever been in his entire life. And for an athlete, that is a huge deal. So I think it is time that Michael enjoys himself at one of the most top-charting events an athlete can be a part of. He has always been a role model, not the best one at times. But he has shown us what it means to be a dedicated athlete, to mess up big time, and what it takes to clean yourself up and create your own Act 2.

So let the show begin, and may you carry that flag with a smile on your face, Mr. Phelps.