As of the morning of Wednesday, August 13, 2008, Michael Phelps of the USA Olympic swim team has won 5 gold medals in Beijing. This brings his gold medal total to 11 and makes him the most successful Olympic athlete to ever live.

Not only did he break the gold medal all-time record but he’s set world records for all 5 events he’s competed in so far. How’s that for a champion?

Well, I don’t want to say much other than this…

We see his glory but do we understand his story?

Phelps grew up in a single parent household and was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD). His mother stuck it out.

What’s more, he would be teased for his ears and lisp by unrelenting Baltimore schoolmates. It wasn’t easy for Phelps.

But that goes to show that it doesn’t matter where you’ve come from… just where you’re going. Phelps always dreamed of being an Olympian and now he’s here for the second time with the possibility of bringing home 8 gold medals.

So if you can think big, you can be big.

Remember this quote:

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God – your playing small doesn’t serve the world.”

Marianne Williamson

Be big,
JG

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