{"id":484468,"date":"2021-08-02T13:08:18","date_gmt":"2021-08-02T20:08:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/?p=484468"},"modified":"2021-08-02T13:08:18","modified_gmt":"2021-08-02T20:08:18","slug":"commentary-ryan-murphy-and-team-usa-captains-provided-immeasurable-impact-through-leadership","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/commentary-ryan-murphy-and-team-usa-captains-provided-immeasurable-impact-through-leadership\/","title":{"rendered":"Commentary: Ryan Murphy and Team USA Captains Provided Major Impact Through Their Leadership"},"content":{"rendered":"

Commentary: Ryan Murphy and Team USA Captains Provided Immeasurable Impact Through Leadership<\/strong><\/p>\n

In recent years, Nathan Adrian<\/strong> would play the role. Jason Lezak<\/strong>, too. Count Natalie Coughlin<\/strong> and Brendan Hansen<\/strong> in the category. Same for Elizabeth Beisel<\/strong>. They were all captains for the United States at the Olympic Games. Their performances in the pool were critical to the success of Team USA, while their actions out of the water had just as much of an impact on what unfolded.<\/p>\n

Name someone captain of a National Team and pressure is immediately added to that individual\u2019s job. His\/her workload is enhanced, personal responsibilities complemented by duties that will promote the betterment of the team cause. Sometimes, an athlete\u2019s actions are enough to handle the role fluidly. Teammates watch and emulate. In other instances, there is the need for vocalization, a pick-them-up speech an example.<\/p>\n

The United States went to work at the Olympic Games in Tokyo<\/a> with a highly accomplished quartet of captains. Simone Manuel<\/strong> and Allison Schmitt<\/strong> were elected to guide the women\u2019s team. Ryan Murphy<\/strong> and Caeleb Dressel<\/strong> got the nod for the men. It was an all-star group, all destined for future induction into the International Swimming Hall of Fame<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Jul

Photo Courtesy: Rob Schumacher<\/p><\/div>\n

But these four athletes were about significantly more than their championship pedigrees between the walls. Consider:<\/p>\n