Live From Paris: On Deck Vibes & 🌶️HOT TAKES | Rich Roll Podcast

What is the vibe like in Paris during the Olympics?

Paris during the Olympics exudes a unique mixture of calm energy and excitement. The athlete village, although not centrally located, buzzes with activity as athletes navigate through packed schedules. Getting around the city is surprisingly easy, with transportation running smoothly despite initial concerns.

The athletes endure long bus rides to and from events, often up to six hours daily. This logistical challenge adds another layer of complexity to their already demanding routines. Despite this, the Olympic spirit remains strong.

Surprisingly, the city hasn’t been overrun by crowds. Especially north of the Seine, streets appear almost empty, giving a sense of normalcy amidst the grand event. Many Parisians have left the city, possibly renting out their homes.

The general public’s interaction with the event has been positive. Service workers and locals have shown remarkable hospitality, debunking stereotypes about Parisians’ attitude towards tourists. This warm reception, combined with the visible but non-invasive security presence, adds to the overall secure and welcoming atmosphere.

How do elite swimmers train for the Olympics?

Training for the Olympics is a rigorous, all-consuming commitment for elite swimmers, with a focus that has evolved over the years. There has been a noticeable shift from volume-based training to power-based training, which highlights quality over quantity.

Key Elements of Olympic Swimming Training:

• Volume-Based Training:

  • Previously, swimmers endured high-volume workouts.
  • Training sessions could exceed 20,000 meters a day.
  • Emphasis was on building an aerobic base and endurance.

• Power-Based Training:

  • Focus on explosive and sprint-specific training.
  • Shorter, high-intensity sets with ample recovery.
  • Increased use of strength and conditioning programs.

• Specific Event Demands:

  • 400 Individual Medley (IM) - considered the decathlon of swimming.
  • Requires training for all strokes: butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle.
  • Combines distance training with anaerobic conditioning to tackle the diverse demands of the event.

Overall, the modern approach to Olympic training aims to balance the endurance needs with the power and speed required for peak performance. Advanced recovery techniques and mental conditioning are also crucial components, ensuring athletes can maintain peak performance levels across such demanding schedules.

What is the pre-performance environment like for swimmers?

The pre-performance environment for swimmers is a blend of intense focus and heightened anticipation. Inside the ready room, athletes prepare both mentally and physically for the race ahead. This space serves as the final checkpoint before stepping onto the deck, offering a mix of silence and subtle psychological battles.

Mental Preparation:

• Swimmers use various psychological strategies to stay focused.
• Deep breathing exercises and visualization techniques are common.
• Some athletes engage in light, positive self-talk to reinforce confidence.

Physical Preparation:

• Gentle stretching and routine warm-up exercises are typical.
• Some swimmers utilize quick, explosive drills to maintain muscle readiness.
• Each athlete fine-tunes their unique pre-race ritual to stay relaxed yet alert.

Psychological Dynamics:

• The tension in the room separates the good from the great.
• Athletes either build themselves up or let the pressure crumble them.
• Behavior patterns vary; some engage in light-hearted chatter, while others remain stoically silent.

"It's all about where you're shining that flashlight," says Elizabeth Beisel, illustrating how mental strength can make or break performance. This final atmosphere is crucial, as it primes swimmers to channel their best efforts once they hit the water.

How do coaches support their athletes before a big performance?

Coaches play a pivotal role in preparing athletes mentally and physically. Their job goes beyond just technical training; it's about understanding and adapting to each athlete's personality.

Chris Morgan emphasizes the importance of calming nerves and providing tailored support. As he mentions:

"You have to adapt to their personality... It's just calming the soul, right, of that athlete."

In the lead-up to events, coaches offer individualized strategies:

• Personalized pep talks that align with the athlete's demeanor.
• Techniques to manage stress and maintain focus.
• Consistent rituals to evoke a sense of normalcy and control.

Morgan also points out the influence of a coach's own demeanor. Whether it's high-energy enthusiasm or calm reassurance, their attitude can significantly impact the athlete's mindset and performance.

For instance, he references a Swiss athlete whose playful, relaxed demeanor in the ready room helped him perform exceptionally well:

"...he was kind of laughing and, you know, moving around... And then he qualifies first."

By understanding and adapting to these dynamics, coaches effectively prepare athletes to excel when it counts most.

What is 'easy speed' in swimming?

'Easy speed' is a term used to describe the effortless feeling some swimmers experience during a race. It signifies a state of flow where everything clicks into place, and the swimmer seemingly glides through the water with minimal effort.

Key Points:

• Effortless Performance:

  • Swimmers feel like they're cruising through the water.
  • The effort seems minimal, but the times are exceptionally fast.

• Flow State:

  • Comparable to a runner's high, but in a swimming context.
  • Achieving this state allows swimmers to maintain high speeds without feeling fatigued.

• Examples from the Podcast:

  • Katie Hoff describes it as feeling "effortless" and being surprised by the fast times.
  • Elizabeth Beisel mentions it's a rare and highly sought-after experience, where everything just aligns perfectly.

This concept emphasizes the importance of technique and efficiency over brute strength, allowing elite swimmers to excel.

What is the USA vs. Australia swimming rivalry?

The USA vs. Australia swimming rivalry is one of the most storied and intense in Olympic history. Both nations boast incredibly talented swimmers, contributing to thrilling competitions.

Historical Context:

• The rivalry dates back decades, with each country's athletes pushing the limits of performance, often trading world records and Olympic golds.
• Notable moments include the 2000 Sydney Olympics, where Australian swimmers excelled, igniting fierce competition.

Current State:

• Recent years have continued the tension, with both nations showcasing new talent and established stars.
• High-profile races often come down to these two powerhouses, keeping fans on edge.

The 'Infernal Cowbell' Controversy:

• Recently, Australian swimmer Cate Campbell sparked controversy by criticizing Team USA's use of a cowbell to energize teammates before races.
• Describing it as "an infernal cowbell", she lamented the continuous ringing.
• American swimmers responded with humor, and the incident added a playful edge to the rivalry.

Impact on Athletes:

• Such competitive spirit often heightened focus and motivation for swimmers on both sides.
• Athletes from both nations maintain mutual respect and camaraderie, despite the fierce competition.

The USA vs. Australia rivalry exemplifies the spirit of Olympic competition, blending intense rivalry with deep mutual respect among elite swimmers.

How do athletes handle media interviews right after their events?

Elizabeth Beisel brings a unique approach to interviewing athletes just moments after their performances. Her strategy revolves around understanding the athlete's journey and creating a supportive environment during these immediate interviews.

Key Elements of Elizabeth's Approach:

• Preparation:

  • Researches the athlete’s background, recent performances, and social media to tailor questions.
  • Provides context to each question, acknowledging the athlete's achievements.

• Questioning Style:

  • Avoids generic questions like "How does it feel?".
  • Focuses on specific aspects of the athlete's performance and journey.

• Challenges:

  • Athletes are often physically exhausted and find it hard to articulate thoughts immediately after a race.
  • Balances being empathetic with drawing out meaningful quotes.

• Empathy and Rapport:

  • Uses her experience as a former Olympian to connect and ease the athletes.
  • Ensures athletes feel respected and understood.

This thoughtful approach helps athletes feel acknowledged and less pressured in the high-energy moments following their events.

What are some under-reported stories from the Paris Olympics?

Amidst the glamour of the Olympics, some lesser-known challenges highlight the complexities faced by athletes and organizers.

Transportation Issues: Athletes endure long bus rides, sometimes totaling six hours a day. This adds another layer of fatigue to their already demanding schedules. Despite efficient transportation, these lengthy commutes impact athletes’ performance and recovery.

Food Shortages in the Village: In the Olympic Village, food availability has been an issue. Athletes sometimes return from late events to find only bread rolls and sardines left. This shortage complicates proper fueling for their next day's performance.

Seine River Cleanliness: The Seine River, planned for open water swimming and triathlon, faces cleanliness concerns. Rainfall affects its water quality, making day-to-day decisions crucial for safety. A backup plan exists, but it underscores the ongoing battle to maintain water standards.

These behind-the-scenes aspects reveal the intricate logistics and real-world challenges of hosting an Olympics. They remind us that the path to glory is fraught with hurdles, both seen and unseen.

How has swim training changed over the years?

Swim training has undergone significant changes over the decades, moving from high-volume regimens to more specialized and power-focused approaches.

In the past, swimmers trained with immense volume. Workouts could exceed 20,000 meters a day. This approach emphasized building an aerobic base and stamina, leaving athletes perpetually exhausted.

Contemporary Training Shifts:

Modern training has pivoted toward power and efficiency. Instead of long, grueling sets, today’s athletes focus on explosive, high-intensity routines. Key aspects include:

• Strength and Conditioning:

  • Programs now include dryland exercises for muscle development and power.

• High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT):

  • Short, intense swimming bouts with ample rest.
  • Emphasis on sprint-specific drills.

• Advanced Recovery Techniques:

  • Enhanced focus on recovery to maintain peak performance.
  • Use of sports science for personalized training plans.

Olympic swimmers today also benefit from sophisticated mental conditioning, helping them achieve not just physical sharpness but psychological readiness. This balanced approach allows for more sustainable and efficient training, paving the way for elite performance.

What is the current conversation around mental health in swimming?

The conversation around mental health in swimming has evolved significantly. In the early 2000s, the idea of a sports psychologist accompanying the team was almost nonexistent. By 2016, the presence of sports psychologists at the Olympics had become more common.

"It's just calming the soul, right, of that athlete," explains Chris Morgan.

Now, athletes view psychological care as essential as physical training. This approach helps in optimizing performance, not just addressing crises. Many athletes schedule regular sessions with sports psychologists, even when everything seems fine.

"Even if you're having the best week ever, you still should be going to your therapist," says Katie Hoff.

Mindfulness rooms and emotional support resources in the athlete village are becoming the norm, further emphasizing the importance of mental well-being. This comprehensive approach aims to enhance both their immediate performance and long-term mental health.

For more on the complexity of mental health focus, read this related article.