Gold Medal Mel
by Mel Stewart // Swimnetwork.com Columnist
Big Fish Clinics is to swimming what an expert consultant is to a company looking for an edge. They give swim teams “insider information” from a veteran world-class perspective.
“Why the name, Big Fish?” I ask Klete Keller, the man behind the idea, a three-time Olympian with five Olympic medals.
“I was thinking, you know, if you’re a ‘Big Dog’ in football, then in swimming, you’re a ‘Big Fish’.”
Davis Tarwater, Klete’s partner in this new venture, had a slightly different take.
“Big fish in a small pond,” Davis says, “or big fish in a big pond. Swimmers understand the concept. They get it.”
Davis and Klete met at the University of Michigan. Davis swam for the school while Klete swam for Club Wolverine. Both men swam for Bob Bowman, arguably the best coach the world has ever seen.
Between Davis and Klete, and their combined forty-plus years of competitive swimming, they’ve also trained for many other world-class coaches; Dave Salo, Jon Urbanchek, Mark Schubert, Grandner Howland, Mike Bottom, and Pierre La Fontaine.
“I think we have a lot to offer,” Davis says. “I know my experience as a swimmer probably isn’t expected. Klete’s the Olympic star, but my story’s different. I can share with young swimmers the importance of setting goals, and that you can gain a great deal from the sport without making the Olympic Team.”
While Davis is absolutely right, not everyone can be an Olympian, it’s tough to hear him reference himself as that type of example. Davis missed making the 2008 Olympic Team by one place. He got third in the 200 meter butterfly, despite going an incredibly fast 1:54:2.
I ask Davis, a USA National Team member since 2005 and a 3-time NCAA champion, if he’s going to continue swimming.
“I’m going to take it one season at a time. I can’t retire yet. I’d like to go out with more of a bang.”
Talking to Klete about this subject, he sounds more like he’s done.
“I’ve been to the big show (the Olympic Games) three times. I’ve won gold, silver and bronze medals. Honestly, it’s difficult for me to get excited about racing. When you feel that way, it’s time to step aside. It’s time for a new generation.”
It’s hard to believe Klete could step aside. He has always been in the hunt, always been competitive. So I have to ask him again if he’s 100% about his decision.
“Ok, fine. I’m not 100% sure I won’t be back. I have some classes to finish up at SC (The University of Southern California). I may stay fit enough to race a little while longer. But as far as training for the London Olympics? I seriously doubt it. Right now, at this very moment, I’m 90% sure about retirement.”
Klete explains himself more, though it not necessary. It’s clear, listening to him, that he’ll always maintain a strong connection to the aquatic community.
“Swimming’s the greatest sport in the world. It attracts good people, you know, with character. Swimmers are respectful and hard-working, and swimmer-parents are exceedingly dedicated... I like being around them, but the idea of still competing, well...”
I start to interrupt Klete. I feel like I’ve put him on the defensive about his competitive plans for the future. I’m glad I didn’t, because he shares the moment when he knew he was going to start Big Fish Clinics.
“Back in Palo Alto, during the Olympic Training Camp, I panicked. I mean, I was so focused on Beijing, but I had this one moment when it hit me: This is it. After August my career is over. It made me think. What do I really love about swimming?”
The answer was Klete’s new company with his partner Davis.
“I want to work with kids,” Klete explains. “I want to share everything I’ve learned. I want to be of service...an asset to future swimmers.”
While Klete talks about the benefits of swimming in terms of feeling; the feel for the water, the feeling you get when you’re in great shape, Davis is more methodical. He’s the nuts and bolts side of the Big Fish team.
“A lot of clinics offer the same format. Ours is different. More comprehensive. We not only do the in-water instruction, we also offer seminars to the coaches and parents. We understand they are an enormous part of the equation. To be successful today, it takes more than just proper training. You have to have parents who support a proper diet at home, and coaches who understand the stress a young swimmer personally goes through...”
Hearing Davis rattled off more details, many details, I’m not surprised why Klete, 7 short days after the Olympic Games, flew to Knoxville, Tennessee, to sign his partner on.
“Davis has enormous integrity,” Klete says. “I watched him train like a maniac. Of course he also went toe-to-toe with Michael Phelps every day in practice. He has insights into our sport no other swimmer has.”
I press for those details, but the guys won’t give much up.
“That information is for the teams who work with Big Fish Clinics,” Klete smiles, “just one more part of our edge. And we also have good chemistry. Davis and I enjoy ourselves.”
I ask if they have the same sense of humor.
“We find each other funny,” Klete laughs. “We fit together as a team. Swimmers certainly understand our humor. You know, there’s a swimmer language you only get when you grow up swimming.”
Davis puts it a different way. “Our clinics, any clinics world-class athletes offer, can only do so much. Swimmers remember and only take away a few important details. What Klete and I have to offer is a broad experience. Mostly, I think it’s the informal, one-to-one interaction that really counts. We schedule breaks for fun and for lunch in-between the instruction. That’s where we connect. We strive to make a personal connection and an impact one swimmer at a time.”
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