By Mel Stewart // Swimnetwork.com Columnist

The evening of the 2006 Golden Goggles, I stood before a bathroom mirror in the Beverly Hills Hilton, gripping my love handles.

Swimmers are supposed to be fit. They’re supposed to look good. I had an ever-growing spare tire that couldn’t be squished inside a Speedo anymore.

I felt an overwhelming urge to hide, to crawl into the closet and pull the door closed. Insecurity or vanity, call it what you will. If you ever swam competitively, you can’t help but judge your health against your "prime taper" physique.

Down in the lobby of the Hilton, before the gala event, familiar faces meandered about; Aaron Peirsol, Jason Lezak, Cullen Jones and Lenny Krayzelburg.

I spoke to Peirsol briefly, about his professional career, his training, and how swimmers supported themselves now.

“Swimming’s changed,” he said causally. “Nike Swim’s been good to me. The contracts are much better than they used to be.”

It felt good to hear that professional swimming had progressed; that our world class athletes were appreciated and could support themselves. But really, Aaron didn’t need to say anything. I could simply tell by watching him in that environment.

Swimming stars made their media rounds on the red-carpet, answering softball questions about their gala evening wear. USA Swimming staff attended to every detail, introducing our stars to VIP's and corporate sponsors.

Wow, I thought, swimming is all grown up. I was utterly elated, and then I started seeing old friends; Rowdy Gaines, John Naber, Mike Unger and Matt Farrell.

Next I saw a tight kinky red fro floating over the crowd. It was David Marsh (formerly of Auburn University, now the head coach of Swim MAC), a coach who tweaked my stroke and played a huge role in my career.

The first thing David did was grab my flab. “You’re in decent shape, but...a little bit soft around waist.”

I would’ve punched David Marsh, as much as I love him, except for the fact that he was telling the truth.

Then the crowd parted, and Michael Phelps appeared. I had never met Phelps, and wanted to because he was a fellow 200 meter butterflier.

I made my way over, trying to shake off David’s ego-deflating jab. “Nice to finally meet you, Michael,” and I extended my hand.

Michael’s huge mitten closed around my tiny inferior paw, and when he said, “Mel, I remember you,” I really felt like I belonged.

The 2006 Golden Goggles were an honor to attend. After a ten year absence from the sport, I was home again.

At the 2007 Golden Goggles, I returned leaner and in shape. No spare tire that time. I was back in top form...kind of, for a recreational swimmer.

It’s embarrassing to admit my insecurities; however, in a way, it’s also a testament to how inspiring our swimmers are today.

At the 2007 Golden Goggles, we were coming off a fantastic year where so many of our greats kicked butt down-under. I’ll never forget watching Worlds taking place in Australia on the net. While Michael made my jaw-drop, I got to know Katie Hoff and Margaret Hoelzer. Ryan Lochte finally broke a world record in the 200m back, and Aaron Peirsol remained the stalwart stock at the 100m distance.

With so much talent in our sport, I couldn’t help but want to feel the water again. So in 2007, it was our stars who got me back in the pool and inspired me to get in shape. Not race-form. But I got healthier, and I think that’s what heroes should mean to everyone. I didn’t understand that when I was a competing. I didn’t care. I just wanted to race and win. Selfishly, I missed out on what swimming heroes really mean to fans.

Now I’m a huge fan. I get giddy when Grand Prix meets, World Cups, or Words Championships roll around.

The Golden Goggles, however, is a whole other animal. It is a remarkably intimate moment and setting where we can all celebrate swimming together.

I know everyone can’t be at the 2008 Golden Goggles this year. I know, in more ways than one, that it’s unfair. I hate it. I wish Golden Goggles could be held in an enormous stadium. I wish everyone who loves swimming could come and cheer.

One thing I can do is help “The Swimnetwork Team” cover the gala event. We’re going to have star interviews and blow-by-blow moments behind the scenes, and so much more.

The 2008 Golden Goggles is more than just one night. It’s an entire weekend of all things swimming.

Saturday, November 15th, we have a clinic for kids with several Olympic greats, including Jason Lezak, Brendan Hansen, Cullen Jones, and Megan Jendrick.

Sunday, November 16th we have a Masters clinic with Matt Grevers, Mark Gangloff, Christine Magnuson, Peter Vanderkaay, and Rowdy Gaines. Mark Schubert, our National Team Head Coach, will also be there offering his wisdom.

It’s all exciting and it’s all for charity. The entire weekend, including the gala, is put on the USA Swimming Foundation. The Swim Foundation’s focus is to increase education about water safety and to provide support for learn-to-swim programs across the nation. The Swim Foundation is the heart and soul of USA Swimming. It’s how we give back.

Chris LaBianco, who heads up the Swim Foundation and all its efforts, has promised us an all-access video pass. So come with “The Swimnetwork Team” while we celebrate the 2008 Golden Goggles!