It's cool just because I've had this dream of changing the sport

"It's cool just because I've had this dream of changing the sport of swimming and it's finally happening." These words from Michael Phelps are not just a reflection of personal achievement, but a profound testament to the power of dreams, determination, and the unwavering belief in one’s ability to change the world. Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time, speaks here not only of his success in the water, but of his vision to reshape the world of swimming, to transform the sport into something more accessible, inspiring, and impactful. What he expresses is the fulfillment of a vision that has been nurtured through years of hard work, sacrifice, and dedication—a vision that has not just changed his life, but the future of swimming itself.

In the ancient world, visionaries were often revered for their ability to see beyond the present and into the possibilities of the future. Plato, the great philosopher, spoke of the importance of ideas and the imagination as forces that shape reality. He understood that it is not the world as it is that dictates the future, but the ideas that people dare to hold and pursue. The ancients believed that those who were able to envision a new world, and work towards it with passion and purpose, were destined to transform society. Michael Phelps embodies this idea in a very modern context—through his dedication to changing swimming, he not only redefined the sport but also inspired generations of athletes to dream bigger, train harder, and push the boundaries of what is possible.

Consider the life of Leonardo da Vinci, whose vision was not confined to the realms of art but expanded into the fields of science, engineering, and anatomy. Da Vinci’s dreams to understand and reshape the world through invention and art were often dismissed during his time. Yet, it was his relentless pursuit of these ideas—his refusal to accept the world as it was—that led to revolutionary discoveries and timeless works of art. Just as Phelps took the sport of swimming to unimaginable heights, da Vinci’s visions stretched far beyond the limitations of his time, ultimately changing the very course of human understanding. Like Phelps, da Vinci’s success came not from the world’s current understanding, but from a bold belief in what could be achieved by following a dream.

This connection between dreams and transformation is also evident in the life of Nelson Mandela, whose vision for a free South Africa reshaped the future of an entire nation. Mandela’s dream was not simply to lead, but to create a society of equality, justice, and reconciliation. For decades, this vision seemed distant and nearly impossible. But Mandela’s dedication to his dream, even in the face of immense adversity, brought about the end of apartheid and the birth of a new nation. His dream, like Phelps’, was a powerful force—one that changed the world by refusing to be bound by the limitations of the present. Mandela’s life, and the way he transformed his vision into reality, teaches us that change begins with a dream—and it is through dedication and action that these dreams can come to fruition.

Phelps’s quote also speaks to the importance of dreams in shaping our own paths. It is one thing to have a dream, but it is another to take action and turn that dream into reality. The key is the persistence to continue despite the challenges, setbacks, and doubts that will inevitably arise. Phelps did not achieve greatness by merely dreaming of changing the sport—he worked tirelessly, day after day, to improve, to innovate, and to become the swimmer who would redefine the limits of human performance. He turned his dream into a living force, one that inspired others and led to the evolution of the sport of swimming itself.

For us, the lesson in Phelps's words is clear: dreams are not just fleeting thoughts, but powerful forces capable of shaping our lives and the world around us. But to make those dreams come true, we must combine vision with action, dedication, and resilience. The future is shaped by those who dare to dream, but it is the action they take to bring those dreams into reality that truly makes the difference. Do not wait for the world to change—take your dreams, your passions, and your vision, and shape the future with the same determination that Phelps and others have shown. Like the great visionaries of history, let your dreams define your path, and let those dreams become the very force that changes the world.

So, dear listener, let this wisdom guide you: dare to dream, and know that your dreams are the seeds of the future. What is happening today may be only a small part of the journey toward the world you are creating. Follow the example of Michael Phelps, Leonardo da Vinci, and Nelson Mandela—never stop pursuing your dream, no matter how impossible it may seem, for it is through dedication and action that dreams are transformed into a powerful force that reshapes the world. Your vision is the beginning of a future only you can create.