Athletic success transforms to entrepreneurship: Stephanie Rice's inspiring path to Dubaibusiness endeavors
Stephanie Rice, the Australian swimming legend who won three gold medals and set a world record at the age of 20 during the Olympic Games in Beijing, has embarked on a new mission in Dubai.
After ten years of professional training and numerous challenges, including three shoulder surgeries, bouts of glandular fever, and adrenal fatigue, Rice retired from swimming at the age of 24. She cites the gruelling training schedule as a key reason for her decision.
Rice's Olympic success came after years of pre-dawn starts, seven-hour training days, and relentless discipline. These choices, she believes, built her mental confidence and forged a discipline that would later define her career.
In 2014, Rice founded My Swim Club, a water-safety training program aimed at saving lives, building confidence, and nurturing future champions. The initiative is based in Dubai, a city Rice moved to for career opportunities and finds innovative and forward-thinking.
Rice understands the impact and responsibility that come with her Olympic achievements, saying it's not just about the medals. She emphasizes the importance of learning to swim as a critical life skill and every child needs to learn it.
My Swim Club aims to ensure every child in Dubai feels safe and confident in the water and every parent has the comfort of knowing their children can enjoy the city's outdoor lifestyle without fear.
Rice warns about the risks of improper teaching and awareness regarding water safety. She advises parents to encourage their children to explore multiple sports until their early teens before specializing in a main event. Rice suggests that waiting until 13, 14, or even 15 to specialize gives children a broader foundation for long-term development in swimming.
Rice's coach, Michael Bohl, was a significant influence on her. He provided emotional, physical, and spiritual support throughout her career. Rice believes that Bohl's understanding of the need for emotional alignment was crucial to her success and ability to stand on top of the podium.
Rice has also earned a Master of Business Administration and is exploring sponsorships, technology, and AI in her professional endeavours. She emphasizes the importance of keeping swimming fun in the early years to prevent burnout and maintain motivation.
In a world where swimming skills can save lives, Rice's mission with My Swim Club continues to make a significant impact. Her Olympic achievements may be a thing of the past, but her dedication to water safety and nurturing future champions lives on.
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