Is Michael Phelps Ready to Beat the Current Champion Meichtry?

May 18, 2011 - PRLog -- Michael Phelps’ comeback is going at a slower pace than anticipated. The former 14-time Olympic gold medal winner is not used to competing at swimming meets and then not standing on the top of the winner’s podium. Last Friday he competed in his top event, the 200m butterfly, at the Charlotte UltraSwim at Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center placing 6th.

Phelps’ goal is to reclaim the world champion title in Shanghai, China this July.  Right now Phelps admits "I feel like an old man coming out of the pool sometimes. My body doesn't recover like it used to."
He already has five losses for 2011 under his belt. Can he pull it off? He needs three medals at the 2012 Olympics in London to become the most decorated Olympian in history.

The stakes are high. Several factors must align for Phelps to reclaim his championship title and set new world records.
Will Phelps get his groove back? Following John Wooden’s Pyramid of Success, Phelps has his work cut out for him. Not only must he physically get back into top shape, he also needs to regain his winning mindset. Training physically without an inner focus is useless when so much is at stake.

For Michael Phelps to take his place as a champion he must fully commit to training and swimming. John Wooden’s Pyramid of Success chart shows the steps to greatness. Training for the world championship title requires diligence. Putting in the hours to regain his strength, endurance and mindset are necessary. Phelps must be more passionate and enthusiastic about reclaiming his title than his competitors. Enthusiasm and drive are motivating forces shared by winners. He’s done it once and he is able to do it again; the choice is his.