ASCA World Clinic 2001 Summary

Physiology School Notes

Stroke School Notes

Rick Curl Notes

Vern Gambetta Notes

Dick Jochums Notes

David Marsh Notes

Rob Mirande Notes

Eddie Reese Notes

Bill Sweetnam Notes

Dick Jochums Notes

A really exciting talk that hit on the essence of life.

Five Truths of Sport

1. The essence of sport -- sport is a process, a training process (not competition) that is a means for self-realization, the athlete is the key element of this process.

2. Sport doesn't build character -- life builds character, sport can be a means for enhancing character but it doesn't create character in itself.

3. The only loss that can't be overcome is death -- there is nothing good or bad, merely opportunities to learn, a victory or a loss is merely one moment in time. A victory disappears as soon as you cross the line. We are defined in terms of the dynamic summation of our lives. One moment can never summarize an individual.

4. There is no easy way -- there are consequences to every action, if you define sport in terms of process, then the fact that the path is difficult is the whole point! All athletes have assets and liabilities -- the only path to true satisfaction is by striving to achieve 100% of our potential. Whether we achieve anything in life is 100% our doing -- no coach can create success, the athlete is responsible.

5. A proper program can the difference between success and failure -- if success is defined as a total self-realization of potential, then a proper program greatly increases the likelihood of this occurring. This is the true nature of a coach.

On Success

People will do the minimum required for success. This is why highly motivated people are able to compete against highly talented people.

• People that define success in terms of results or look for an easy way, they are the ones that dope.
• A clean athlete has the mental advantage, as they know that what they have achieved is a result of hard work. There are no withdrawal effects when the drug is removed.
• How could any athlete or coach live with success knowing that they cheated? In the end, the cheaters will die young. We have a huge health problem coming towards us.
• When you see the average football player over 300lbs, don't fool yourself into thinking that drugs are not everywhere, at all levels. Don't be naive, don't stand for mediocrity. Behave with honor!
• A clean athlete may take longer to develop than doped athletes. Being clean is safer and true to the essence of sport.
• People that complain about doping are missing the essence of sport, once an athlete is doped, he has already lost -- regardless of outcome.
• We are clean, we may not beat you in competition, but we will hurt you. We will win the far more important battle of life.

On Streaming

Why force people out of the sport? Sport is about realizing one's potential, keeping people in sport longer is a huge gain for society. Less talented athletes are essential for keeping the talent honest.

• All classical and strong societies have a warrior concept -- achievement of honor through struggle.
• Honor is only granted at the time of death (it is never too late!)
• Modern man has more opportunity than ever to be honorable -- the downside of taking an unpopular path is limited (previously death!).
• Honor is about taking actions to achieve honorable goals -- in the short term, people will always get upset. Through long term measurement and honest evaluation -- honor can be measured.
• Cheating is not honorable -- regardless of results. Too many sporting federations have lost sight of honor, of the original intent of the Olympics.

On Creatine

Noted that a number of studies are showing increased risks of cancer.

On Supplements

Any coach who recommends new and untested supplements to their athletes is negligent and dishonorable. Spoke of programs in the US where there is regular testing to ensure that athletes remain within legal parameters. If there is any doubt about supplementation/legal drug usage, then you are cheating and missing the entire point of athletics.

• True sport is a vehicle for achieving a "total body experience"
• A total body experience is very rare. Most of us only experience it at birth and at death. Essentially, it is approaching death (note -- this is related to the concept of flow).
• At point of maximal power generation, we will approach maximal pain. The brain will fight you every step of the way because we ARE approaching death in a total body experience.
• The ability to approach these levels is learned in training. One must train at these levels to be able to sustain in competition.
• The warrior understands that it is truly a mental battle -- not physical at all -- it is about moving beyond what the brain will accept.
• Pain is the price of honor.
• Make it a habit to conquer yourself

• Everyone can be a warrior
• The first step is to believe in a dream. Our job as coaches is to dream big.
• The next step is to ensure that nothing stands in the way of that dream.
• It sounds extreme but this is the only path to honor (and happiness and satisfaction)
• The honorable path is often a difficult path -- however, it is the most rewarding path and therefore the easiest and the only one to follow

• Aussies are the only swimmers in the world who are not spectators.
• Once a world record is accomplished, it merely provides a roadmap to others.

• Training is a process
• It is a way of life, an ethical life, an honorable life
• Place in a meet is the least important element of sport
• His philosophy on training: build power -- recover -- repeat

• An athlete and/or parent should either agree with your plan or leave
• If they are not 100% in agreement with your views, then they need to change their perspective, situation or sport.

• Character comes from living honorably
• Honor is long term focus on achieving one's potential
• An honorable man can lose but can never be defeated
• It is a ticket for success in all aspects of life

• Do I know how my program works?
• Do I know the purpose of every phase, every workout, every day?
• Am I making a difference?
• Is this what I want to do?

1. Be the best -- reach high, dream big, always seek personal growth, live honorably
2. Just do it -- work hard for the rest of your life
3. What is, is -- live in the present, constantly look forward to your goals, learn from challenges, accept everything