Riding the Waves: Olympic Swimmer Ryan Murphy on Wins, Losses, and Staying Steady

Ryan Murphy is a nine-time Olympic medal-winning swimmer, but it hasn't all been podium glory. At this summer's Paris Games, Ryan missed qualifying for the men's 200 meter backstroke by one tenth of a second. And that was after he had just won bronze in the 100 meter. It's these extraordinary swings between triumph and disappointment that Ryan is so brilliant at managing. Through it all, he's learned to roll with the lows just as easily as he celebrates the highs.

There are few endeavours that can match the intense 24-7, 365 day per year commitment and pressure of being an Olympian, and in this episode, we get lessons in stress management and keeping things in perspective that anyone can use. From his early years in competitive swimming when he actually vomited from nerves before every race, to his philosophical views on winning and losing, Ryan takes us through a career that’s been built on family and team support, and incredible focus and drive. He also discusses his passion project, opening his St. Johns. Florida location of Goldfish Swim School, and helping to share the joyful and lifesaving skill of swimming.

You don’t want to miss this great conversation as we get an Olympic icon's valuable wisdom  on performing under pressure, the power of a team, dealing with the unknowns, and yes, managing the expectations.

About Ryan Murphy
Ryan Murphy began breaking records as soon as he started swimming at age 5. Through dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment, Ryan has fulfilled his academic and athletic dreams.

While at the University of California, Berkeley, he won both the 100 and 200-yard backstroke events at the NCAA Championships for four straight years. He holds the American Record in multiple backstroke events. In his Olympic debut in Rio, Ryan won three golds medals, sweeping the backstroke events and helping the U.S. win gold in the 4x100m medley relay, where his backstroke lead-off set a world record. As one of the most dominant swimmers in the world, the 23-year-old swept the backstroke events at the 2018 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships, won six medals (three gold and three silver) at the 2018 Swimming World Championships in Hangzhou, China, and was named the 2018 Male Athlete of the Year by USA Swimming. In 2021, he shined in Tokyo winning gold in the 4×100 meter medley relay, silver in the 200-meter backstroke and bronze in the 100-meter backstroke. A native of Ponte Vedra Beach (Jacksonville), Fla., Murphy is passionate about giving every young child the opportunity to learn how to swim and being a role model for young swimmers.

 Connect with Ryan & Goldfish Swim Schools
Ryan Murphy website
Ryan on Instagram @ryan_f_murphy
Goldfish Swim School Instagram
Goldfish Swim School website

 About The Breakout
The Breakout is the hit podcast hosted by human resources and change experts Dr. Keri Ohlrich and Kelly Guenther. The founders of Abbracci Group, a results-driven coaching, HR Management and consulting firm, Keri and Kelly are laser-focused on getting the best out of people. They launched The Breakout in early 2023 to find the best stories and advice on busting boundaries and making change, and since then the show has charted #1 in self-improvement, #1 in education, and #7 in all podcasts.

Join Keri and Kelly on The Breakout as they get advice and insights from change experts, and learn from people who have really done it how you can dive into personal growth, increase self confidence, and move your life into bold new territory.

Each episode comes with lessons on living courageously, with topics on self-help, leadership, personal development, building success, setting personal boundaries, growing your confidence, overcoming self doubt, and knowing your self worth. From huge transformations to quiet shifts, The Breakout highlights why every change matters.

At Abbracci Group, Keri and Kelly offer a four-step coaching process to help you increase your self-awareness, break out of expectations, and live life on your terms.  Learn more at abbraccigroup.com.

Keri and Kelly’s new book Whatever the Hell You Want – An Escape Plan to Break Out of Life’s Little Boxes and Live Free From Expectations is available now! Dr. Keri Ohlrich’s book The Way of the HR Warrior is also available now.

Connect with Dr. Keri Ohlrich and Kelly Guenther
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