"The basketball coach cut me within two days, so I was back in the pool. I was the first one in the wall after the first 25 yards, but the last one out because I didn't have a flip turn"

Merlin Olsen’s reflection offers a vivid snapshot of youthful aspiration, failure, and adaptation. His attempt to make the basketball team ended swiftly, as he was cut within two days, suggesting the abruptness with which opportunities can disappear and the emotional letdown that often accompanies such rejections. Rather than succumbing to disappointment, Olsen redirected his energy into another sport, swimming, illustrating resilience and the ability to pivot when faced with obstacles.

Diving back “in the pool” is both literal and metaphorical. It denotes not only a shift to a new athletic endeavor but also the willingness to immerse oneself in unfamiliar territory. The mention of being “the first one in the wall after the first 25 yards” is rich with meaning; Olsen’s quick start reflects raw talent, physical prowess, or sheer determination. He was able to speed ahead momentarily, perhaps benefitting from adrenaline or the eagerness to impress in a new sporting context. However, his subsequent claim, “the last one out because I didn’t have a flip turn”, captures the difference between beginner’s enthusiasm and seasoned skill. The flip turn, a technical aspect of competitive swimming, eluded him. While his natural ability carried him partway, lacking technique left him trailing.

Olsen’s narrative encapsulates common truths about growth: initial passion or innate capacity is rarely enough in any field. Mastery comes with experience, training, and attention to technique. The story captures the humility of realizing one’s limitations and the patience required to develop new skills. Rather than being discouraged by his lack of expertise, Olsen seems to view the experience with humor and perspective. It’s a reminder that setbacks are a part of every learning journey. Progress is not always linear, being “first” in one moment and “last” in another is part of the cycle when stepping into new challenges. Ultimately, Olsen’s words speak to the resilience required to try, fail, adapt, and persist.