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One More Step: a Poem By Olympic Champion Neil Walker

This summer, many swimmers’ careers will end. Some, like Eugene Godsoe and Tyler Clary, will say their goodbyes to millions of fans around the world. Others will say goodbye just to their families and teammates. Almost all swimmers will end a season this summer, and in either case, it means the end of a cycle. In the narrative of swimming, it’s the end of a verse, the end of a chapter, or for many the end of the entire story and a plunge into new adventures.

Neil Walker, a two-time Olympian and four-time Olympic medalist in 2000 and 2004, sent this poem out to his team at the Rockwall Center of Excellence outside of Dallas about swimming and the end of a journey. A member of his team shared it with SwimSwam in the hopes that it might inspire others.

One thousand steps to get here, and you’re almost at the end,
up and down the mountain, good thing you have a friend.

Through broken glass, and coals on fire, not sure the path is right,
through thick and thin you force a grin and continue on to fight.

Pushing against a boulder, then climbing a slippery wall,
carrying those that need it, you feel you’re about to fall.

You’ve pushed so hard with courage, fighting tooth and nail,
so often at the brink of it, you half expect to fail.

Receiving help from teammates, just when the end is near,
one more step to go, but you’re frozen stiff with fear.

You’re on the starting blocks my friend with one more step to go,
no one is there behind you, to give you one last tow.

But wait there is a feeling, that surges from the depths,
you do have those that walked with you, those thousand grueling steps.

They are there to help you, by cheering loud and clear,
so focus on what got you there, and fight away the fear.

You’ve trained so hard to get here, the path was rarely clear,
but now the clouds have parted, the starter’s gun is near.

Take that step you’ve worked for, you’ve earned it through and through,
take that thousandth step that’s been taken by so few.

Finish this last race, knowing it’s a job well done,
and no matter where you finish, you should know that you have won!

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Swimmer
5 years ago

He’s my swim coach ❤️❤️🏊‍♂️🏊‍♂️

Matt
8 years ago

Randy

Dave Korst
8 years ago

Fantastic poem Neil…… I will share it with my athletes You were a joy to watch in your swimming career including my small chance with you as your Zone coach!! And then the rest is history….. Thank you for the beautiful words…..

Judith Sigler
8 years ago

FABULOUS THOUGHTS THAT FIT ANY JOURNEY IN LIFE! Love it, Neil! PROUD OF YOU, too, and your life’s endeavors! WISE WORDS TO SHARE! THANK YOU! (Married to Mr. Sigler of Verona Math fame!! )

ERVINFORTHEWIN
8 years ago

Fantastic Poem about how life is – not about how life should be .

Bullet
8 years ago

Beautiful.

Lane Four
8 years ago

What I really liked about Neil’s poem, is that he is describing LIFE. It is about journeying along the road less traveled. Beautiful job, Neil.

Danjohnrob
Reply to  Lane Four
8 years ago

I agree. The swimmers’ life journeys continue when the competitions end, but they are prepared for any obstacles ahead because of their training! Good luck, retiring swimmers!

Marge
8 years ago

Samaki

About Braden Keith

Braden Keith

Braden Keith is the Editor-in-Chief and a co-founder/co-owner of SwimSwam.com. He first got his feet wet by building The Swimmers' Circle beginning in January 2010, and now comes to SwimSwam to use that experience and help build a new leader in the sport of swimming. Aside from his life on the InterWet, …

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