She Held the Record

"On your marks!" The loudspeaker boomed throughout the pool and the arena. The contestants were poised, tight, and ready to pounce.

"Get set!"

Bang! The start gun exploded over the swimmers’ ears. Microseconds later the competitors hit the water, splashing their way toward the end of the pool.

A few tense moments later, the declared winner was Shane Gould. The crowd went wild with excitement. The crowd was on their feet; their voices chanting Shane's name in unison congratulating her for another world record.

Shane would repeat this activity with the same world record winning outcome: 11 times.

Between the ages of 14 and 16, Shane splashed her way into the record books as the only person, male or female, to hold every freestyle record from 100 m to 1500 m simultaneously. She is the first female swimmer ever to win three Olympic gold medals in world record time.

"I can't do this anymore. I am tired. I just want to live. I hate the spotlight, the media, and the pressure. I quit." So at age 16, she retired. Shane found solace in surfing, photography, horseback riding, and nature.

For years, she lived simply . . . eventually marrying and having children. For years, she shunned the sports spotlight and the accompanying media. For years, she lived in the shadows. For years, she had had all of the public eye she could handle. But she was talented and gifted with a generous spirit and open heart. Others needed her expertise and knowledge. And hidden deep inside, she knew she needed to share her life's experiences and wisdom.

With help of close friends and much soul-searching, Shane re-emerged into the public eye determined to help other athletes avoid the conflicts and uncertainties she had experienced as a swimming superstar.

Now a successful businesswoman, author, keynote speaker and swimming commentator, Shane is researching swimming teaching and training methods. Shane and her husband, Milt started the Shane Gould Swimming Foundation. Its goal is . . . "to provide the life skills of swimming, water safety and water awareness, to disadvantaged people and people who cannot swim. . ."
Officially designated by her home country of Australia, a "Living National Treasure,” Shane Gould is known by all for her generous heart, compassionate and visionary perspective. Her greatest ability: to inspire others to do their best.

In 2006, Shane was inducted into the International Women's Sports Hall of Fame.

Her life these days does not include sitting around watching things happen -- she is very much involved in making a difference in her world and the world of others . . . she is making a difference because she believes in people.

What about you? Are you living in the shadows? Or the spotlight? Are you merely a spectator in life, or are you out there making a splash in life and making things happen for yourself and for others?

I believe you can help yourself and others change the world. You may never be a champion swimmer or sports superstar -- but you've been given gifts and talents uniquely yours! Use them like Shane and make the world a better place!