Very nice piece Mel. I think at some point within the next two years, reality will hit and she’ll go pro.
Positive outcomes of going pro early: Phelps
So-so outcomes: Hoff, Knutson
Phelps had a sweet deal at Michigan where he got the college experience (without the NCAA competition, and got to work out with his coach (Bob Bowman was UM coach for 4 yrs). Maybe Cal coach Teri McKeer could hire Missy’s HS coach as a Cal assistant! [Not likely.]
Tiger Woods went pro after 2 years at Stanford; Michelle Wie went pro in High School (before Stanford).
I’d go pro too…but I completely understand why she isn’t. It’ll be interesting to see how she does post London. I think she is a super-star with a long career ahead of her. The big question is…will she be as big a media darling in 2016. I think the London Games will be a great platform…
MEL STEWART Jr., aka Gold Medal Mel, won three Olympic medals at the 1992 Olympic Games. Mel's best event was the 200 butterfly. He is a former World, American, and NCAA Record holder in the 200 butterfly.
As a writer/producer and sports columnist, Mel has contributed to Yahoo Sports, Universal Sports, …
Very nice piece Mel. I think at some point within the next two years, reality will hit and she’ll go pro.
Positive outcomes of going pro early: Phelps
So-so outcomes: Hoff, Knutson
Phelps had a sweet deal at Michigan where he got the college experience (without the NCAA competition, and got to work out with his coach (Bob Bowman was UM coach for 4 yrs). Maybe Cal coach Teri McKeer could hire Missy’s HS coach as a Cal assistant! [Not likely.]
Tiger Woods went pro after 2 years at Stanford; Michelle Wie went pro in High School (before Stanford).
I’d go pro too…but I completely understand why she isn’t. It’ll be interesting to see how she does post London. I think she is a super-star with a long career ahead of her. The big question is…will she be as big a media darling in 2016. I think the London Games will be a great platform…
Roger, I do think Kara’s point is strong. A lot of swimmers who go pro young lose ther joy for racing. Phelps is, of course, the exception.