BJ Bedford Miller is an Olympic Gold Medalist and Former World Record Holder. What does it take to become best in the world?
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BJ Bedford Miller is an Olympic Gold Medalist and Former World Record Holder at the 2000 Sydney Olympics for the 400 Medley Relay.
She was also:
* 2 x World Champion, 1998 (Bronze medalist, 1994)
* 8 x US National Champion 1991-2000
* 2 x Pan American Games Champion, 1995
and the list goes on.
What will you learn in this interview?
– How to enjoy every moment and retain your individuality?
– How growing up with three brothers molded BJ?
– When did she discover her swimming talent?
– At what point did she decide to start training the hardest?
– What was a day in the life of training when she first began in New Jersey?
– What’s it like to train swimming with shoes on?
– How did she come to learn the importance of teamwork?
– What’s her advice on achieving your dreams?
– How to stop your inner thoughts from hindering your progress?
– What was the biggest turning point to decide to continue?
– How she got through the most painful situation she endured?
– What’s her relationship like with Amy Van Dyken and the first visit after the accident?
FUN FACT:
– A rule was admitted into the US Swimming Rule Book preventing swimmers from entering the pool via back flipping because of her.
– She used to eat two or three large pizzas in one sitting.
Business Mentors, Tools, Books mentioned:
Jenny Thompson – American former competitive swimmer
Nelson Diebel – Olympic gold medalist 100 metre breaststroke 1992 Summer Olympics
Chris Martin – Coach extraordinaire
Royce Sharp – American former competitive swimmer who represented the United States at the 1992 Summer Olympics
Mark Schubert – American swim coach and was USA Swimming’s National Team Head Coach from June 2009 until November 2010
Kristine Quance – former US Record-holding and Olympic breaststroke and medley swimmer
Michael Phelps – American swimmer and the most decorated Olympian of all time, with a total of 22 medals
John (“Jonty”) Alexander Skinner – former South African swimmer turned national American swim coach
Whitney Hedgepeth – American former competitive swimmer who won a gold and two silver medals at the 1996 Summer Olympics
Amy Van Dyken – American former competitive swimmer, Olympic champion
A little background about BJ Bedford Miller:
BJ Bedford is an American former competitive swimmer, Olympic champion, and former world record-holder. Bedford represented the United States at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia. She was a member of the U.S. team that won the Olympic gold medal in the women’s 4×100-meter medley relay and set a new world record of 3:58.30 in the event final. Her record-setting teammates included Megan Quann (breaststroke), Jenny Thompson (butterfly), and Dara Torres (freestyle). Bedford attended high school at swimming powerhouse Peddie School in Hightstown, New Jersey.
She is full of knowledge, compassion and encouraging words. As she would so powerfully say, “Everyone has their Olympics. Mine was televised. Your heart, your mind and your competitive spirit can shine in ANYTHING.”
Accomplishments:
SWIMMING
* Olympic Gold Medalist, Former World/American Record Holder, 2000 Sydney, 400 Medley Relay
* 2 x World Champion, 1998 (Bronze medalist, 1994)
* 8 x US National Champion 1991-2000
* 2 x Pan American Games Champion, 1995
* Pan Pacific Games Champion, 1993
* Goodwill Games Champion, 1998
PROFESSIONAL
* Recipient of the “Above and Beyond” award for excellent service and commitment to the company from Nike Swim’s President of Active Sports (2007).
* Outstanding Sales Support Award for Solutions Engineering, 2013
Please Leave a comment Below on one thing you found Most Inspiring or Helpful
**(I read and respond to all comments personally)**
“I didn’t do this alone. No one does it alone.” BJ, this is the line that JUMPED out to grab my attention. Thank you, for sharing you!
Beautiful interview. I really liked the way she spoke about her college coach and the competitions during those days. “Do not let those cameras catch you cry” (y).
Thanks Rebecca! I loved that part also!