The KYST Interview - with Anthony Ervin
A conversation with one of the fastest humans ever to move through water
A couple days ago I caught up with my old friend Tony Ervin. This was not unusual. We’re in fairly regular contact. However, this time our chat was recorded, with specific topics in mind, to be shared here with the growing KYST community.
I realize a significant portion of my subscribers are swimmers, or coaches, or in swim families where you’re well versed in our weird water tribe. For you, Tony needs no introduction. For those outside the swim-sphere, here’s a quick CV: Ervin is oldest man ever to win individual Olympic gold in swimming — a feat achieved in 2016, when, at the age of 35, he won the 50 freestyle at the Rio Olympics. 16 years prior, at age 19, he was also the youngest ever to win the 50 free — in an unforgettable tie with teammate Gary Hall, Jr. at the 2000 Games in Sydney. All told, he won four Olympic medals, and is also a two-time world champion.
A few days from now, on July 28 in Singapore, Ervin will be inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame. He’ll be among an all-time class of inductees, including Ryan Lochte, Italy’s Federica Pellegrini, Tunisia’s Ous Melloui, Singapore’s own Joseph Schooling, along with (my coach) Gregg Troy.
It seemed a fitting time to catch up. But I was less interested in rehashing his triumphs, and more in his struggles to keep it all together. Tony’s endured his share of dark times, which he has long been forthcoming about sharing.
When we first met, about 20 years ago, he was a young man who decidedly did not have his shit together. He was about as far removed from being a world class athlete as you could imagine. You don’t see too many folks who attempt to untie the knot of self. It takes courage and a strong dose of humility. That’s more impressive to me than any Olympic medals.
I hope these KYST interviews become a regular feature. My talk with Tony felt like the perfect way to start.
Here are some bullet points of what we discussed:
Taking 8 years off — in his prime — between Olympic triumphs
Rediscovering the sport through teaching
The mental & spiritual reboot, before the physical return
The essence of great coaching
Redefining success and perspective in sport
Muscle memory and reclaiming your true aquatic self
Tony’s coming Hall of Fame induction
And for those who prefer reading to listening, here’s the transcript.
Big thanks to Tony. And big time congrats on his well-earned induction into our sport’s International Hall of Fame!