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>> Ryan Murphy & Caeleb Dressel
Ryan Murphy and Team USA Captains Provided Major Impact Through Their Leadership BY JOHN LOHN - EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
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n recent years, Nathan Adrian would play the role. Jason Lezak, too. Count Natalie Coughlin and Brendan Hansen in the category. Same for Elizabeth Beisel. They were all captains for the United States at the Olympic Games. Their performances in the pool were critical to the success of Team USA, while their actions out of the water had just as much of an impact on what unfolded. Name someone captain of a National Team and pressure is immediately added to that individual’s job. His/her workload is enhanced, personal responsibilities complemented by duties that will promote the betterment of the team cause. Sometimes, an athlete’s actions are enough to handle the role fluidly. Teammates watch and emulate. In other instances, there is the need for vocalization, a pick-them-up speech an example. The United States went to work at the Olympic Games in Tokyo with a highly accomplished quartet of captains. Simone Manuel and Allison Schmitt were elected to guide the women’s team. Ryan Murphy and Caeleb Dressel got the nod for the men. It was an all-star group, all destined for future induction into the International Swimming Hall of Fame. But these four athletes were about significantly more than their championship pedigrees between the walls. Consider: • Manuel was the epitome of perseverance. Hampered by Overtraining Syndrome, a diagnosis she revealed at the United States Olympic Trials, Manuel did not qualify to defend her Olympic title in the 100 freestyle. However, she dug deep and earned a Tokyo bid in
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the 50 freestyle, then contributed a leg to the United States’ bronze-medal winning 400 freestyle relay. More important, she spoke about her journey and the pride she felt. Her story is one of inspiration – and a lesson. • Schmitt has long been open about her mental-health struggles, and has taken a proactive role in emphasizing the importance of an individual’s mental well-being. On television, while racing on the biggest stage, these athletes are not just machines. They are human, and Schmitt is reminding the world of that fact. • Dressel is now a seven-time Olympic champion, his Tokyo run featuring five gold medals. He, too, is more than the greatest swimmer on the planet. He is introspective during interviews, routinely providing a reminder that the sport does not define him. It is what he does. It is not who he is. Dressel allows himself to be vulnerable. He tears up on the medals stand. During press conferences, he admits to feeling overwhelmed at times. It is a true sentiment, and one he doesn’t try to cover up with bravado. • Murphy is the picture of calm and possesses an awareness of his surroundings that belies his 26 years of age. He knows when a teammate needs to hear certain words. He’s not afraid to speak up about critical topics in the sport. He can lighten the mood when necessary. Murphy supplied the best line of the press conference featuring the men’s 400 medley relay, which captured gold and set a world record. The Floridian discussed his age-group
