Missy Franklin’s time in Asia included more than racing in the FINA World Cup, as the Olympic champion traveled to southern Sri Lanka to conduct a swim clinic for young swimmers there.
Franklin’s visit to the small village of Seenigama was part of the Laureus Foundation of Goodness Project that has been helping victims of the 2004 tsunami rebuild their lives through sports. The essential life skills that athletes learn in their careers, such as leadership and confidence, are what the Foundation of Goodness Project hopes to instill in the children of Sri Lanka.
She had some help in the pool, with fellow Colorado Stars teammate Austin Phillips giving tips and advice to the young swimmers as well. Franklin and Phillips competed in the Asia meets at the World Cup together, with coach Todd Schmitz accompanying them.
Franklin also participated in a cricket game, a sport very unfamiliar to Americans but a common pastime in Sri Lanka. But, the patented Missy Franklin smile was always present as she managed to hit the ball.
“I’ve grown up knowing the importance of hard work and resilience in preparing to compete at the highest level in sport, but the resilience of these people, who suffered such loss and grief after the devastating Tsunami in 2004 is so inspirational for me,” Franklin said. “I won’t forget the smiling faces of the young children here.”
Franklin, who was named Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year in 2014, was named Ambassador for the Laureus Sport For Good Foundation last April shortly after becoming a professional swimmer. She participated in an event in Berkeley, Calif., as her first event in the role.
Missy Franklin In Sri Lanka Photo Gallery
The Laureus Foundation of Goodness Project contributed to this article.
Some of us can but only dream of such a swim camp……