In a heartwarming turn of events at this year’s Summer Olympics, Canadian swimmer Leo Carter has captured the hearts of fans with a quirky pre-race tradition. Before each race, Leo and his father, Gary Carter, engage in a playful gesture that might raise eyebrows: they flip each other off. While onlookers might initially think Leo is being disrespectful to competitors or the audience, the reality is much sweeter—it’s all in good fun between father and son.
Back when Leo was just a young swimmer of eight, he faced numerous challenges at swim meets. Often feeling overshadowed by larger competitors, he struggled to find his footing in the sport. To help boost Leo’s confidence, Gary devised an unconventional strategy. “I told him to forget about everything else,” Gary recalled. “When you step up to race, just swim like you own the pool. He asked me how to do that, and I said, ‘Just say forget it.’ So, we started this little ritual where we’d give each other the finger before each race, and it worked wonders. He began winning consistently, and the rest is history.”
However, their lighthearted tradition took a turn at junior nationals when a camera caught Leo seemingly directing his gesture at a wider audience. This incident led him to apologize publicly, but their unique pre-race ritual remains intact. To avoid misunderstandings, Leo has since adapted the gesture into a more subtle “forehead scratch” with his longest finger once he’s behind the starting blocks.
While flipping the bird might not be the conventional method for alleviating race-day jitters, it serves as a powerful reminder of the bond between Leo and his dad. In moments of pressure, sometimes you need a little humor and a nudge of reassurance to remind yourself that you belong right there in the competition. For Leo, that reassurance comes from looking at Gary and silently agreeing to push through together.
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In summary, Leo Carter’s playful ritual with his dad not only showcases their unique bond but also serves as a motivating factor in his swimming journey. It’s a testament to the power of support and humor in overcoming adversity.