PHOENIX, Arizona, August 1. SWIMMING World has been given permission to reprint a letter from Olympian Bruce Furniss written to Texas head coach Eddie Reese regarding Brendan Hansen's experience at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials.
Here is the letter in its entirety:
Eddie
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Congratulations to you on the performance of your kids at Trials. Be sure to tell Scott Spann congratulations on his son making the team. You all must be so proud!
I am writing in hopes that you will pass along to Brendan Hansen my comments as I do not have his email address…and besides, he wouldn't know me from a hot rock. I want to express to him what an impressive young man he is and what a wonderful example he is in his conduct. As a father of four in aquatic sports, it does not go unnoticed by parents like me out there when a great athlete stumbles and has a bad race or day, and in doing so, doesn't pout or duck the media (like Track Athlete Jeremy Wariner did yesterday), or make any excuses for himself. Brendan's television deck interview after his race made me a fan of his for life. He gave plaudits to his teammates, was pleased for their successes and in doing so, adhered to the fact he did his best…no excuses, not a one!
I have, as many of us have, had similar difficult moments (jumping on a WR setting 800 relay in '75 Worlds or getting DQ'd in my last career race at the '80 Olympic Trials) and struggled to maintain my composure and dignity in a very public moment. I, for one, know exactly how hard it must have been for him to address the media (many, I'm sure gleeful Japanese) so quickly after his race and he did so with such remarkable composure. He is extraordinary! I am certain you and his parents must be beaming with pride.
Many years from now, long after his days as a world class competitive swimmer are over, he will look fondly upon that moment with great pride, and upon further reflection, will realize it might just be his finest moment…not only just as an athlete, but as a man, a husband or father. His recall of that moment will provide the ingredients of a wonderful story. That moment will shape future generations, most likely and most importantly, it will someday influence his own kids.
Sorry for my long windedness, but I was so moved and affected by his conduct I just wanted him to know that others out there appreciate what he has done and how he has conducted himself. Hopefully as the sting of that bitter moment dissipates, Brendan will be buoyed by the bigger issue of the moment…how true Champions should always conduct themselves. It is easy to have great conduct and character in victory, but few are able to do it in defeat. Brendan did, and my family for one, will always remember it. Moments like that are what really separates the great ones…and he is every bit of that.
Regards and best wishes,
Bruce
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Reaction Time Comments
August 1, 2008 Gracious in victory, humble in defeat, charitable in daily life: Brendan Hansen is one of the greatest Olympians this country has ever sent. SCAQ-Tony Submitted by: groovydoo
August 1, 2008 Bruce,
You echoed what I said a few days after this. Thanks. Brendan proved great character Submitted by: boydd
August 1, 2008 I first must say, thank you for posting this. I ran into Brendan on the streets of Omaha the day after his 200. The girls I was with wanted a picture so I kindly asked him. He more than obliged. I congratulated him on making the team and he actually brought up the 200. He said "sometimes the bar eats you". I have been involved with swimming for over 20 years and in that one moment I have never been more impressed, inspired, and encouraged by a fellow athlete. I wish him the best and despite the ups and downs of the US team he remains a statue of what it truly stands for. Thanks, Brendan Submitted by: Swim7712
August 2, 2008 Thanks for posting this Jason. I couldn't agree more with the sentiments expressed and I hope Brendan and his family realize how many people share those sentiments. Submitted by: Michelle
August 3, 2008 Thank you, Jason, for posting this letter. It is nice to see that something positive came out of a disappointing race for Brendan. Bruce, thank you for taking the time to write the letter to Eddie. Your thoughts on the subject brought tears to my eyes as well as members of my family. After the 200 Brendan showed me his phone with numerous e-mails sent to him with similar thoughts saying the same thing.
Brendan felt great that he was able to set an example for other swimmers and athletes. He never took his responsibilities as a role model lightly, in fact he respects it. Brendan did comment to one reporter, "In baseball you can go 0-4, swimming is so tough. One bad race and they think it is over." It is nice to know there are others who see the man inside the athlete. Submitted by: MrsH
August 4, 2008 The torch is truly passed when one of the classiest Olympians of the 1970s takes the time to write such a great letter. Thanks Bruce for reminding us that swimming continues to produce athletes that uphold the meaning of Olympian. Submitted by: pastprime
August 6, 2008 I have been thinking about this letter since I read it a few days ago. I hope that Brendan holds on to this letter and saves it for the rest of his life. I hope he can pull it out and read if for the truth that is in it. It is so rare that a person writes a letter like this especially to someone they don't even know. I often hear people at meets speaking of Brendan, and I have only ever heard good stories about his humility and his generosity. That is something you rarely hear in these days when people love to throw each other to the dogs.
Brendan is honorable man that I am proud to have captain our Olympic team. He deserves a thousand letter like the one Bruce Furness so kindly allowed to be posted here. Submitted by: laurenish
Reaction Time responses do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Swimming World Magazine or SwimmingWorldMagazine.com.
Reaction Time is provided as a service to our readers.
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