Whatever Omega (the watch people) are paying two-time, multiple-medal Olympic swimmer Natalie Coughlin for her endorsement deal, it's well worth it.
This morning at 5:45a.m. - as part of her contract with Omega as a "Swim Ambassador," - Ms. Coughlin had on her Speedo and was in the Army's old Presidio YMCA pool working out with some 50 age group swimmers, most of who can only dream of making it to the heights that Coughlin has reached.
But darned if it didn't seem like that dream was just a little bit more possible today.
With just a two hour appearance including the swim, Q and A with the team, a team and individual photo session, and some swim schwag for the kids, Natalie managed to motivate every swimmer there to work hard and pursue their goals -- whether that be in the pool or elsewhere in their lives.
Most times, a brush with Olympic greatness like this will cost thousands in appearance fees -- putting it out of reach for most, if not all, age group teams like The Pirates. But because somebody knew somebody who knew somebody at Omega ---- this morning's swim-with-a-star happened at no cost to our local Y.
Conversely, I would argue that whatever it cost Omega to allow The Pirates a chance to swim and meet with an Olympian, it was a small price to pay for the goodwill generated and the big dreams born in the wake of this morning's appearance.
And Natalie couldn't have been nicer - perhaps seeing herself in the chlorine-filled eyes of the kids who hung on her every word. And I would guess it's actually a lot more pleasant than swimming in a cheesy pool set up on Rockefeller Plaza for an appearance on The Today Show.
So thanks Omega and Natalie, for showing up at morning work-out and inspiring a whole team of Pirates, and reminding all of us that dreams can come true.
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