Re: Sinkie's First Olympics Gold! Schooling Wins 100m Butterfly With 50.39s! Record W
There are many factors that make Schoolings a record breaking champion. However, most of these factors can be obtained with money, even to the extend of physical growth. What has been missing in the comments, is the person Schoolings, himself. His mental strength. I am sure the top US coaches only take in swimmers who has the ability to swim well. If that is all it needs to win, then champions can be easily trained.
In my view, Schoolings is special. He has the natural endowment for the making of a champion, not just physically but more importantly, his mental power. In such high level competition, the top few athletes are nearly equal. What decides the winner is the one with the ability to stay focus, ensuring that every stroke is done to perfection throughout the race. One slight miss and the prize is gone. Only a calm focus mind can do that. Next is the ability to summon the last ounce of energy to give his all at the end. All competitors are like dying near the end. The one who can find the little extra will be the winner.
So whatever others may like to say about things like Phelps giving chance, etc, I firmly believes that Schoolings make it because he has the mental power. The perseverance to train hard, the calmness and focus produce perfect stroke after stroke, and finally, the ability to produce that last burst. Athletes who do not have such mental capability resort to drugs to win.