The Effortless Swimming Podcast #399 : 12 (unusual) lessons from Michael Phelps' coach
Oct 28, 2025
Discover essential lessons from Bob Bowman, the mastermind behind Michael Phelps' success. Consistency trumps perfection in training, and learning to perform under pressure is crucial. Explore how personalized approaches can unlock an athlete’s potential. Harness the power of underwaters for a competitive edge. Visualize your success and treat training like a bank, making deposits that pay off later. Create an environment conducive to achievement and embrace experimentation, even if it means facing setbacks. Data-driven insights can refine your strategy!
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Consistency Beats Perfection
- Consistency matters more than chasing perfection in every session.
- Bowman found Phelps and Marchand delivered many steady eight-out-of-ten sessions over years.
Goggles Broke — Counted Strokes To Adapt
- Bowman once accidentally stood on Michael Phelps' goggles before a race and the goggles leaked.
- Phelps counted strokes and adapted, illustrating training for unexpected race issues.
Focus On Process, Start Small
- Focus on the process and make your first step small and achievable.
- Small daily actions build momentum toward large goals like major races or Ironman events.