Matt Biondi is one of America’s most decorated Olympic swimmers -- but he left the sport 30 years ago due to unhappiness with the status quo. He felt forced to give up his dreams to become a professional swimmer and earned a Masters Degree in Education, teaching math for nearly two decades. 

Today, he has returned to the sport as the founder of the International Swimmers Alliance, where he fights for other swimmers to have the opportunity to go professional and be compensated fairly for what they bring to an increasingly-popular American sport. He joins Kelly and Maria to talk about his motivation, tenacity and desire to right past wrongs for others.

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MORE ABOUT MATT BIONDI

Matt Biondi is an 11-time Olympic medalist and a 14-time world record. Biondi competed in the Summer Olympic Games in 1984, 1988 and 1992, winning eight gold, two silver and one bronze medal. During his career, he set three individual world records in the 50-meter freestyle and four in the 100-meter freestyle. At the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, Biondi won five gold medals, setting world records in the 50-meter freestyle and three relay events.

Biondi is a member of the international Swimming Hall of Fame and the United States Olympic Hall of Fame and is one of the greatest American swimmers of all time.  Currently, he is working with the International Swimmers Alliance. He’s always been a proponent of swimmers earning money and having a seat at the decision-making table for competitive swimming. 

Episode Topics and Mentions

1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, Korea

International Swimming Hall of Fame

United States Olympic Hall of Fame

International Swimmers Alliance

ISL, International Swimming League

USA Swimming

US Masters Swimming

FINA

IOC, International Olympic Committee

University of Southern California

Stanford University

Anthony Nesty

University of Florida Swimming

Conejo Valley Multisport Masters

Nancy Kirkpatrick-Reno

CVMM Matt Biondi Masters SCY Classic

Introversion

Daniel Goleman - Author

Emotional intelligence

Chuck Wilgus

Dara Torres

Perth

Steffi Graf

Janet Evans

Ray Looze

Takeaways

Maria

1. Emotional intelligence, not just physical strength and talent, is a trait of champions. When you know who you are and believe in what you are doing, you will succeed.
2. Take responsibility for your own life -- ask questions, stand up. Do not just follow the rules or routine set in front of you.

Kelly

1. You can be a leader as either an extrovert or introvert and lead with your own character strengths.
2. You never know when the thing that may have been your biggest disappointment will come full circle and be your calling, or the thing that will bring you greatness later on. 

Quote of the Week

“We all experience setbacks. It’s such a natural part of achievement.” -- Matt Biondi

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Email us at HELLO@ChampionsMojo.com. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns.