Missy Franklin, Still Team USA’s Miss Sunshine

“I just wanted her to know now how much the team loves her,” Team USA’s breakout star Maya DiRado said after the 200 back semifinal. “It doesn’t matter that she didn’t make the final because she’s an amazing teammate. I can give her no higher compliment than, you would never know how she’s swimming based on how she’s interacting with the team. That’s the sign of a true champion and a true leader.”

When asked about DiRado, Franklin responds with equal veneration: “Maya has been such a leader on this team…we’re all going to miss her so much [DiRado will retire after the Games]. For her to support me the way she has, it’s been incredible. I can’t wait to watch her tomorrow night. She can’t have enough success come her way.”

Franklin became a professional athlete last spring, and although she would never use that as an excuse, the life of a sought-after athlete spreading themselves thin can take a toll. Missy Franklin is a “yes woman” and is representing a lot of products and companies now. I’m sure she’s not swimming solely to please them, but there is a performance obligation unwritten in those deals.

Photo Courtesy: Speedo

We cannot write about redemption yet, but I am confident the day will come. Missy Franklin is 21 years old– far from an old lady in the sport of swimming. She is having the first major slump of her career and growing in character more than she realizes because of it.

It’s not testing to be on fire at the Olympics and have all of the confidence in the world that you’re going to go fast. Franklin swam knowing she was “cold” at this Games; knowing for some reason “it’s just not there right now.” Any athlete knows that feeling. It’s boundlessly frustrating. You mentally regroup. You physically recupe. You rewrite your race strategy. But nay, it’s still seconds off your best. Franklin executed her final race of the Rio Olympics well in her mind, but it was five seconds off of her world record in the event.

“I wish I had an excuse, but I don’t and I’m not going to make up one,” Franklin frankly stated. “The truth is I worked as hard as I possibly could, I did everything I could think of doing, and for some reason I fell more short than I ever have before. I wish there was an explanation for that, but I’m just trusting that God has a plan and a purpose and he’s going to make something beautiful out of this…even though I really wish I could ask him what that’s going to be right now!” Missy laughed and sniffled as she wore her heart on her sleeve. 

Though her individual performances in Rio will earn her no medals, the caliber of person Missy Franklin is glistens through her words. I want my future daughter to know Missy. I want her to keep fighting when things are not falling into place. I want her to carry herself with joy and grace in the face of disappointment.

“That’s what’s being an American is all about. We run toward the fight, we don’t run away from it,” Franklin said about her Rio mentality. “Getting up for that 2 back tonight, I felt a little like David facing Goliath, and I felt like I didn’t have any stones in my pocket. So to still get up and fight, I’m really proud.”

I’ve been awed by your aquatic achievements over and over, Missy. But now I observe your maturity, humility and kindness in wonder. Even as you cry, you force a smile. Your teammates might understand if you withdrew into a shell this week, but that’s not you. You love your team and want your behavior to positively affect their performance. You’re a prime example of how sport can refine an individual into a more precious metal. You may feel the pain of being in the fire now, but you will emerge (and already are) with a new shine to that pre-existing Missy sparkle.