Olympic swimmer Max Thompson has a quirky and endearing tradition with his dad before every race. As he prepares to dive into the water, Max gives his dad a playful gesture that might surprise onlookers. But rather than directing his antics at the audience or his competitors, this amusing exchange is a lighthearted salute to his father, who cheers him on from the stands.
“Wait, what just happened?” you might wonder. But it’s actually a heartwarming story.
When Max was about eight years old, he often found himself feeling discouraged after losing several swim meets. Being smaller than his competitors made the situation even more daunting. To help boost his confidence, his father, Tom Thompson, devised a unique strategy. “I told him, ‘Enough is enough,’” Tom recalled. “When you get on the blocks, just clear your mind and swim like no one’s around. He asked me how to do that, and I said, ‘Just say screw it.’ So, we both exchanged the finger, and he started winning races like crazy from that moment on.”
However, their pre-race ritual took a turn during a junior nationals event. Tom was seated behind the cameras, and unaware of the live broadcast, Max inadvertently seemed to give the audience an unintentional salute. This incident didn’t sit well with some viewers, leading Max to issue an apology. Now, while they still share that finger moment, he has adopted a subtle “I’m-just-scratching-my-forehead” maneuver once he’s at the starting blocks.
While telling everyone to back off may not be the first option for relieving pre-race jitters, it’s effective for Max and his dad. Sometimes, especially when you’re the underdog, it’s vital to show yourself that you can stand tough among the big leagues. It’s all about looking at your dad and saying, “Forget them,” with him responding, “Absolutely.”
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In summary, Max Thompson’s playful pre-race ritual with his dad not only lightens the atmosphere but also builds confidence. Their unique bond and shared moments before each race remind us that sometimes, breaking the norm can lead to incredible success.