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News > Transcript of Disney's Live Q&A Chat with Michael
Phelps, Lenny Krayzelburg, and Ian Crocker
Disney News
Transcript of Disney's Live Q&A Chat with Michael Phelps, Lenny
Krayzelburg, and Ian Crocker
Stars to swim at Disneyland for final stop of Disney's Swim with the
Stars tour
Gold medalists Michael Phelps, Lenny Krayzelburg and Ian Crocker
recently took time from their cross-country "Disney's Swim With
the Stars"
tour to answer your questions. Dive below the surface with these swimming
heroes and check out the transcript from their interview on September
25, 2004.
Disneyland: Welcome. It's not every day that you get a chance
to chat with a real Olympic champion. Right now, we will be chatting
with three of them! This is a live chat with U.S. Olympic swimming gold-medalists
Michael Phelps, Lenny Krayzelburg and Ian Crocker, who between them
earned 8 gold and 2 bronze medals at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.
Adrienne: Michael, Lenny, Ian: If you could be any animal, what
would you be and why?
Lenny: Definitely an elephant because of the size of the animal,
and also it's a symbol of luck. So it's my favorite animal.
Ian: I'd want to be a large cat, like a cheetah because I like
cats and I like speed!
Michael: I would be a fish. I love the water. Maybe a dolphin.
Martha: MP, Lenny and Ian, silly question, but I have to ask:
All three of you spend a lot of time in the water, swimming, training,
etc., What do you three do, or what do you use to keep your skin healthy
and keep it from drying?
Michael: I'm used to the water, so my skin doesn't dry that much.
With the amount of time we spend in the water, we're used to the chlorine
so it doesn't really bother me.
Lenny: I use lotion all the time after practice to take care
of the dryness. I swim a lot outside, and the combination of sun and
chlorine is not good for the skin.
Ian: I think Michael said he just gets used to it and doesn't
use anything. I've never used lotion either, just a normal shower after
practice.
Buggy: Hi Michael, Ian and Lenny. My little boy is five and
a half, and loves to swim. He has been in the water ever since he was
2 years old. What would be the best thing for him to pursue swimming?
He so wants a pool in the backyard but we can't afford one, so I take
him to the Palm Park pool were he loves to swim.
Ian: Try and find a club team that he can swim around with. At
that age, they're not doing a lot of hard dedicated work, it's more
just swimming with friends and socializing, which is obviously something
he likes.
Adrienne: Michael, Lenny, Ian: What was the strangest thing
you encountered while on the tour so far?
Michael: I've seen a few interesting T-shirts that people have
made with slogans and our pictures on them. I saw one last night that
said "I want to be like Mike" and had a picture of me on it.
That's been the most interesting thing I've seen.
Lenny: I don't know if there's anything "weird" that
has happened on this trip, but on a positive note, the reception we've
had has been incredible. That's something none of us ever expected:
the excitement, the number of people that show up, and the excitement
they show during shows.
Ian: Along the same lines as what Lenny said, probably one of
the funnier things is the things people ask you to sign. People ask
us to sign their shoes, socks, cell phones. You try not to smell the
sock when you're signing it!
Sigma: What does it feel like to be standing on the gold-medal
stand, watching as the American flag is raised and the National Anthem
is played?
Michael: It's absolutely incredible, the greatest feeling I've
ever had. Whenever I was on the medal stand, I'd always be trying to
find my family in the stand and seeing the smiles on their face, hearing
the National Anthem, was amazing. For me, the past four years of training
go through my mind, and it's all worth it.
Lenny: It's obviously a very special feeling knowing that you've
accomplished something you've worked so hard for. It's rare in life
that we get to do something where we see results in front of everyone
else, and knowing you're reached the top in something you do is probably
the greatest thing you can experience in life.
Ian: It was a special moment being on the podium, hearing that
National Anthem and hearing the Americans in the crowd singing along
with the anthem. You could hear them all like they were a group, and
that made it a really special experience.
Laura: At twelve, I was a state record holder and winning most
of my events. At 13, I haven't come within 5 seconds of my best times.
It's been 11 months, not only without a time drop, but with time added.
Do you have any advice on how to get through this slump?
Michael: I think everyone goes through a period like that. But
the most important thing is to try to stay positive. That's the best
time to stay positive and make sure you're focusing on your goals. Nothing
will come easy in anything you do, so keep trying and keep your mind
positive. That's what you should try to do.
Lenny: The thing I can recommend is maybe to take some time off,
and just kind of recharge the battery. Maybe go play other sports, maybe
hang out with your friends. But get your mind off it for some time.
That way you get the hunger, the excitement back and you'll come back
with a different attitude. You might come out of the slump, but no matter
how long it lasts, it's about ups and downs and eventually you'll see
the upswing if you're willing to continue.
Adrienne: Are the screams of teenage girls overwhelming?
Michael: One of the things I've noticed when I'm introduced in
the show is that sometimes I can't even talk, there are so many people
and they're screaming and yelling - it's awesome! It's so great to get
the amount of support we're getting on the tour. I never really thought
that any of this would happen, so it's all kind of new for me. It's
kinda cool from all angles!
Ian: I think it's special to hear fans screaming and know they're
excited about seeing us. At a swim meet, there's no telling who people
are cheering for, but it's always great when there are lots of people
there who are excited about your accomplishments.
Stephanie: Is there anything unique or special that you do to
prepare for meets?
Lenny: Most of the preparedness happens during training every
single day, so it's all about getting to a meet and being as relaxed
as possible. Personally, I just try to stay in the crowd of people,
just talking so my mind doesn't think only about swimming. That helps
me to relax. And at this level, we all know what needs to be done once
we jump in the pool.
Ian: I try and just relax and reflect on all the work I've done
in the past season. That's one of the most important things, remembering
your goals and how to swim your races. It's also important to get your
mind off racing before you race sometimes.
Michael: I like to get in my own world. When I'm getting ready
for a meet, I always have headphones on, listening to rap music to get
myself fired up.
Aurora from Spain: Aren't you frustrated that swimming only
gets wide coverage at the Olympics or world championships?
Michael: Right now, considering how the US team did in Athens,
I think it's going to be an incredible few years and with the help of
Disney and the other major sponsors for the tour, I think it will be
one of the biggest sports of the year. With all we've done, there will
be a lot of attention paid to swimming in the next few years.
Donna: Lenny, what do you like most about the United States?
Lenny: Obviously this is the land of opportunity. This country
allows you to be successful, so it's up to the individual to decide
what life path you want to take and what you want to accomplish in life.
Gabby: Lenny, what were your biggest challenges when you first
came to the US?
Lenny: When I first came to the US, there were challenges in
not being able to speak the language, not understanding what people
were asking me, having to adjust to the culture. Trying to understand
American culture was very hard for me. Swimming was a great avenue for
me. I could learn all about the American environment, and become Americanized
a little faster than other immigrants who come to this country can.
Astrayan Lover: Lenny, while recovering from shoulder surgery,
what kind of exercise did you do, and how long did it take to let you
swim without any trouble?
Lenny: Unfortunately I was never feeling 100 percent after the
shoulder surgeries. It took 3-4 months to feel comfortable, 12 weeks
before I could even get in the water. And then it was really slow during
rehab. There were a lot of exercises to strengthen the muscles in the
shoulder, as well as the bigger muscles surrounding the shoulder to
help protect it. So it was a total of 6-8 months before I could really
work it. My advice, if you're having surgery, is to be patient with
the rehab. If you jump back in too fast, you'll re-injure it.
Astrayan Lover: What made you choose between the different strokes
and your pet events?
Lenny: When I was 8 or 9, I started to swim seriously and my
coach at that time felt the backstroke was the one I should swim. He
felt I looked most comfortable on my back, and my stroke was technically
the best. So I just continued, and tried to make that particular stroke
my best.
Aurora from Spain: Hi Lenny! I've heard the way you trained
back in Russia was way different - care to elaborate on that? Also,
do you keep in touch with the friends you had there? Thanks!
Lenny: No, I don't keep in touch with my friends in Russia. I
left when I was 13, so many of them have gone on different paths. I
have visited quite often, and have seem some of them. In fact, 3 years
ago we had a reunion in Odessa, with about 35 of us. These were people
I hadn't seen in about 13 years. In terms of the training style, yes,
it's different there. There's more intensity at a young age, training
5 hours at young ages like 9 or 10. That's part of the sports culture
back there.
Arugula: Lenny, how did your experience at the 2004 Games compare
to the 2000 Games?
Lenny: The experiences were different - in 2000 I won 3 golds
and was the favorite going into the Games so the expectations were high.
But during those Games, the pressure was so high I didn't really enjoy
the Games. This time, there was less expectation on me (although I had
high expectations for myself). I felt I embraced the Games more, and
I enjoyed it more.
Sweetpea Jen3655: Lenny, how did it feel when you heard you
were one of People Magazine's 50 Most Beautiful People?
Lenny: It was funny, and obviously a pretty cool thing. The way
I look at it, it's a popularity contest and how much people - the agents,
the company that represents you -are able to promote you.. Being the
year of the Olympics, there was a lot of attention on me because of
the multiple medals I was expected to win, so I think that helped me
get into the People list.
Sweetpea Jen3655: Lenny, my dad is also a naturalized citizen.
Did this bring a special meaning to being on the Olympic team?
Lenny: Definitely a special feeling representing the US, and
not being born in this country. Being able to represent this country
in the international arena is definitely humbling, and a very special
experience to go through.
Shelly: I am from the Baltimore area and coach many sports. I wanted
to know if there was anything your coaches did while you were growing
up that truly motivated you to work harder?
Lenny: There's no question that when I was younger I was pushed
quite a bit. I was challenged, and I really liked that. But I feel there's
a fine line between that and challenging a child too much. Challenging
an athlete is extremely important. Kids at a young age need to know
that in any walk of life, the characteristics of hard work and commitment
will help them. The more they learn that, the more it will help them.
Supporting them during their quest is extremely important as a coach.
Maven: When you guys were finished with all your events, did
you feel a sense of relief, or was there a letdown of any kind?
Lenny: There was a relief, knowing you went to the Olympics and
did well. You dream about the Olympic Games when you're at this level
and when you get the special opportunity to go, it's a dream come true.
You work hard for so long to accomplish that, so you can relax a bit
and enjoy the moment after it's over.
Elissa: I am 16 now and I LOVE to swim. But there is only one
thing - I want to be faster than I am. A lot of the younger girls are
faster than me and I want to be up to their level. I know I should practice
more but I don't have time with my job and all. Is there anything that
I can do during the practice time I do have to make myself better than
what I am? If it helps any, my fastest 100 free time is 1 minute 4 seconds.
Lenny: The way I look at it, you should only compare yourself
to yourself. Everyone goes through a different development process.
For me, I didn't get really good until I was 20! So be patient, and
really believe in yourself. I think that's the most important.
Swmangel247: Ian, what are some tips on making my fly faster?
I go 1.18.56 in the 100 yard fly.
Ian: One of the most important things in fly is getting your
stroke time right, getting one kick when your hands are entering the
water and one kick when they're exiting the water. Try to get your hips
going. Kick, not the arms, is the most important part of butterfly and
I think a lot of people miss that.
Mary: Ian, how will you resume your college studies with all
of the training and competing?
Ian: When I get back to the University of Texas, I'll continue
training and in January I'll try to finish my degree. But overall, trying
to balance school and swimming is difficult. It takes a lot of time
management and remembering your goals in the water and also in the academic
world.
Deanne: Ian, what are you studying in school?
Ian: I'm a kinesiology major with a business foundations minor. I chose
that in case I want to go into coaching, because I'd like to always
be connected to swimming in some way.
SloRyd: Ian, do you have a close relationship with teammates
Brendan Hansen and Aaron Peirsol, and will you continue to train together
even now that you've graduated?
Ian: Brendan and Aaron and I are all good friends. One of the things
that makes it so special is that we all have similar goals, so we understand
how much dedication and hard work it's going to take to obtain those
goals, and sometimes there aren't a lot of people who do understand
that So that makes a pretty good bond. And we'll continue to train at
the University of Texas even after graduation, because we all feel it's
the best place for us.
Creampuff: Ian, how did you learn that Michael gave you his
spot on the relay and did it add any pressure to your performance?
Ian: I found out through one of the managers, because it was
late at night after the individual 100 butterfly, and the coaches were
in press conferences and the swimmers had all left. I got out of the
drug test after my swim, and was told I was going to be on the relay
the following night. It was a shock, because I hadn't anticipated being
able to be on the relay if I was the second fastest American. I don't
feel it put pressure on me. I saw it as another opportunity, and I was
glad to get up there with Brendan Hansen and Aaron Peirsol to represent
my country at the highest level of swimming.
HSFCat: Ian, do you believe in miracles?
Ian: I believe in divine intervention. I think everything happens
for a reason. A lot of times, people get what they deserve. Especially
in the sport of swimming, you get out what you put in.
Honda Girl: Ian, has Berta been completely restored? Are you
getting another car soon?
Ian: If I had my way, I'd have a giant climate -controlled barn
in Texas to collect cars! Yes, Berta's almost done - she's looking good.
But I'm not sure if I'll be buying another car. I've got too many toys
already!
Astrayan Lover: Ian, does your cat live indoors? Does he/she
prefer acoustic or electric guitar? ; )
Ian: I actually have 2 cats, and my girlfriend just rescued another
cat yesterday, so we brought it up to 3 yesterday. They're now all indoor
cats, because there's a nature preserve behind my house with foxes.
It's much easier with the fleas too! One of them likes acoustic guitar
when I play and sing to her. Murphy is scared to death of all guitars
- any time I pick one up, he runs.
Aurora from Spain: Hi Ian! You are an amazing swimmer but also
a talented singer. I've heard your song "Come On" and you
are quite good. Have your written/recorded any other music? Thanks!
Ian: No, that was actually the first opportunity I had to play
around with music in a studio. I'd like to do it again when I have more
time and more people to go into the studio with me.
Sarah: When will you be at Disneyland and are we allowed to
take our picture with you guys?
Ian: Certainly, there will be times for pictures and autographs
at Disney. We're going to have a pool built on Main Street at Disneyland.
Randy: How are you preparing for the SC World Champs while you
have been on the road for so long? Will you be ready?
Ian: We've been training as much as we can. When we get to a
city, we find a pool. Michael's been getting workouts from his coach
at home, and I have a basic skeleton of a workout so I can add what
I want. We've been using the demos at the shows as sprint work, so it
works out nicely and I think we'll be as ready as we can.
Sarah: What did you want to before becoming a swimmer? Did it
just happen or did you dream of becoming a swimmer ever since you were
a child?
Ian: I started swimming when I was 8. I don't think I ever had
any dreams before I started swimming. Swimming took care of that when
I realized what the potential was and what I wanted to go for.
Kathleen: How old were you when you participated in your first
swimming meet?
Ian: I was 8. It was the first season that I started. I remember
a time trial before the first meet, to get us used to what racing was
going to be like. But I don't remember the meet itself.
Morgan: How long have you guys been swimming for? Are you interested
in surfing or learning how to surf?
Ian: I like all things related to water, so yes, surfing sounds
like it would be a lot of fun. Aaron Peirsol surfs and raves about it,
so maybe I'll try it.
Mallory: Michael, for the people who didn't get to see you at
the Swim with the Stars clinics, are there any plans for another tour,
or are there any other commercial deals coming up?
Michael: We hope there will be another tour. This was the first
of its kind, and we wanted to see how it went. It was good!
Calla: Michael, I noticed you and Ian Thorpe shared a laugh
in the room before your race. What did you two say to each other?
Michael: Nothing really - we were both just focused on what we
had to do, which was swim as fast as we could.
Happyface: Michael, did you talk with anyone regarding your
decision to let Ian swim the relay, or was it something you decided
on your own?
Michael: It was a decision that I thought about, and I made the
final decision. I wanted him to really prove what he could do, and he
led the team to a gold medal and a world record.
Barlow Girl: Michael, it's so sweet how close you are to your
mom. What do you admire most about her?
Michael: Just the type of woman she is. She raised me from a
little boy pretty much single handed. I've been living just with her
for about 12 years now, and she raised me to be the man I am today.
She's been an incredible help for the last 19 years.
Bridget: Hi, my question is for Michael. I've read that you
are the youngest in your family. If you asked your sisters today, would
they describe you as a typical annoying little brother, or did you always
get along well with them?
Michael: When we were growing up, we got along; we were just
very outgoing with each other. But now we're so close as a family. We
have a blast together.
Future Olympian: Michael, I watched every race you participated
in in Athens. In all your interviews you said you could barely sleep.
Did that have an effect on your races?
Michael: With the environment we were in, it was hard to really
get some sleep. You're so excited, there's so much adrenaline. But you're
at the Olympics, so you can take one race and just have a blast with
it.
Mara: Michael, you are going to be an assistant coach at University
of Michigan, and you love to work with kids; do you see yourself becoming
a full-time coach once you're finished swimming competitively?
Michael: I'm not sure. I'm going to be a volunteer at the University
of Michigan, and hopefully I can help them somehow. With all I've learned
over the past five years, I hope I can pass some of that on to them.
For the future, I'm not sure where things will lead. But I will say
"Go Blue!"
Brit: Michael, first off, I loved watching you in Athens. I
was wondering if you are looking forward to coming to U of M and what
types of classes you are taking. Thanks a lot!
Michael: I am. It's going to be a good change for me to get out
on my own and experience the complex a bit and see how things are. I
love sports. I'd love to stay in sports management and be really involved
in sports over the next few years.
Phelps Fan17: Michael, what team do you usually like to be on
NHL Hitz? And I was wondering if you three play video games together
and who usually wins.
Michael: I haven't played too much NHL Hitz recently, mostly
Madden. Lenny can't hang with me in Madden! We have a lot of fun, and
we all just sort of fool around with Madden.
Jena: Michael, will you ever come to Pittsburgh, PA?
Michael: I don't know - no idea if I'll be in Pittsburgh any
time soon.
Kaylee: Michael, what's your favorite food?
Michael: I love ice cream! I'm a huge ice cream fan, and I pretty
much eat anything so I can cram stuff into my system as quickly as possible.
Erica: Michael, I am an admirer of yours, and I am inspired
by your races in Athens. It has inspired me to go for the gold. Hope
to see you in 2008!
Michael: Thanks Erica!
Agnes: Michael, now that you have 6 gold medals, how does it
affect your mindset now with regards to competitiveness? Are you more
or less competitive?
Michael: I'm the same place I was before. I love to race, I love
to compete. I hope to have lots of opportunities to race with people,
and get the best out of everyone in the water.
Rickey: I am the father of 3 young girls. You have become their
hero. What would you like to say to all those who call you their hero?
Michael: It's incredible, absolutely amazing to be able to have
someone look up to you to hope to do something you've done. It's definitely
a great feeling that's very memorable.
Loving Phelps: Michael, are you enjoying this tour even though
you're away from your family?
Michael: I love it! It's a great thing for the sport of swimming,
and we haven't really had that many opportunities to get swimming to
a new level. I think we're raising the bar for the sport of swimming,
and it definitely will help. Disney's been a great help in supporting
us through this whole thing.
Annalise: Michael, what is your favorite thing about touring
the country and meeting new people?
Michael: This is my first time around the country by bus, so
it's kind of fun. I've never been able to really witness all the states.
One of the coolest things was when we were driving through the Rockies
- we got some pretty sweet pictures. And when we get to a venue, we
have so much support from the fans. It's sold out, there's yelling and
screaming, so it makes us have more fun because of it. The enthusiasm
the fans show is just amazing.
Annaven: Simple and ordinary question for you, Michael - what
is you favorite book?
Michael: I just read a book called "Bringing Down the House"
which is about students who learn card counting. I couldn't put it down.
In school, my favorite book was "Of Mice and Men."
Michael Phelps Is Hot: Michael, how does it feel to have a street
named after you and a key to the country?
Michael: LOL! It was kind of neat when I heard about the street
near my school being named Michael Phelps Way. It's great how the city
of Baltimore has really been behind me.
Honda Girl: Michael, we've all heard about your Escalade and
how you've had it customized. Do you plan on doing any performance mods
to it or any future cars you might buy?
Michael: I'm interested in some other cars. I saw a Range Rover
the other day on the road, and it's a car that stuck out for me. I want
to test drive it when I get home, and also a Cadillac Seville. I don't
plan to do anything to the Escalade performance-wise, maybe just a sound
system.
Julie: Michael, is there a story behind the misspelling of your
name on the jacket you wore in the Vanity Fair shoot, or was the wardrobe
person just not paying attention?
Michael: I have no idea! We noticed it after we were done the
shoot, so I guess they just used it. I'm not sure if they noticed it,
but I saw it when I got home and took the jacket off and it was misspelled.
Alli From Cali: I heard that in the tour finale in California
there will be a special guest. Anyone want to clarify?
Michael: I'm not sure who the special guest will be, sorry.
Disneyland: Thank you so much for this chat! Unfortunately,
we are almost out of time. Do you have any parting words for our audience?
Michael: We can hardly wait until we get to Disneyland! Go Blue!
Ian: Hook'em!
Lenny: Victory for Trojans! Right on!
Source: Disneyland
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