Swimming gave Rowdy a lot; it gave him everything. It taught him even more—about commitment, teamwork, responsibility and dedication. Swimming was the best gift of his life, and he wants to return the favor to others.
Now Rowdy spends a lot of time, much of it on the road, doing exactly that. Thanks to LIMU, he’s able to talk to kids about heroes and champions and dreams. He talks to them about listening to coaches and parents and teachers. He talks to them about discipline and integrity and teamwork. He goes to schools, to swimming pools, to hospitals. Sometimes he critiques a stroke; sometimes he compliments homework; sometimes he just smiles and hugs. But he always, always, brings hope.
The gold Rowdy cherishes most, however, he finds in the hearts of children. Swimming led him to gold, but it taught him more, he says, about the path it took to get there. Now he leads them along the path, pointing out the right direction, the right people, the right thing to do. He lets them know they are not alone on that path, that there is someone there to help them. He talks about who heroes are, they being the people who walk the path with you, guide and help you. Heroes are real people: teachers, moms, dads, uncles, grandparents, ministers.
Everyone has a gift, he tells the kids, that makes him or her special and unique. Don’t be afraid to try to find it, he tells them, even if it seems like only a dream. Dreams are real, and dreams can come true. The champion in each of them will believe, will find the dream and make it real.
