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Contact:
Jodi Anderson
(951) 436-9143
janderson@knowledgeunited.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
KNOWLEDGE UNITED STANDS BEHIND THEIR OLYMPIC HOPEFUL
Murrieta, Calif. (June 11, 2008) – At 18 he was ranked number two in the nation for the 50 free. He started swimming at seven with his best friend Jake Leicht at a club team in Stockton, Calif. Seventeen years later, a college graduate and business professional, Jon Larsen trains for the Olympic swim trials at the California Oaks Sports Park in Murrieta, Calif.
“Competing was always huge for me, being able to look at the person next to you and confidently know that you are going to win.” Larsen shares, “my competitive drive definitely drove me to accomplish those goals. It was always more about the competition and getting through college than swimming.”
Larsen and Leicht both felt they had to go to college but, needed a way to pay for it. Larsen sat down with his swim coach, who told him what he needed to do and how the coach could get him there. Both boys dedicated themselves to swimming and were able to achieve the college scholarships they worked so hard for.
Training then was 20 hours a week, now it’s after work swimming 45 minutes at the gym 2-3 days a week. “It’s crucial that I use my time after work wisely.” Larsen does the majority of his conditioning at the 24 Hour Fitness center but it’s the outdoor pool in Murrieta on the weekends that meet his need for more realistic preparation.
When a swimmer is on the block there is only one thing on his mind, be the first one to touch the wall. Larsen, “I think when I get back up there everything is going to kick back in. My light switch is going to flick on and my competitive drive will be unleashed and surprise some people.”
Larsen is on track in practice and happy with his times. “I’m excited, it’s a great experience. My race is the shortest race out there. When I’m in the water I know exactly what I need to do.”
For an athlete winning is not an option but a matter of fact. “An hour or two before a swim meet I know I am going to win, I just know I will dominate. There is a mental clarity that takes over before a race starts when I know I am going to win.”
The certainty of competition in sports is not as easy when it’s over. Leicht can confirm, transitioning into the business world, making your own decisions and applying that discipline to a profession, is a hard adjustment to make after so many years as a dedicated athlete.
Still trying to find a way to adapt that competitive drive as an athlete into business, Larsen looked to Leicht for advice and found Knowledge United. Knowledge United President, Ben San Roman is a Murrieta, Calif. employer attracted to the dedication of athletes to fight their way to the end of a challenge, with the hope that his employees will use the same determination in business as they did in competitive sports. More than 50% of the Knowledge United sales team are athletes recruited through Athletes to Business.
Leicht and the rest of the Knowledge United team are supporting Larsen as he prepares for the Olympic trials on July 4, 2008. As his life long friend and co-worker Leicht is “really proud and impressed with how Larsen can push through and drive to win, It’s not a love of swimming that keeps Larsen going, but the need to compete and win the competition.
On your search for the next six-time Olympic gold medalist like Michael Phelps or super star employee, don’t forget to check the California Oaks Sports Park, you may be surprised at what you find in your own backyard.
About Knowledge United
Knowledge is Power. "We provide quality services to make organizations more efficient and empowered. Ultimately, offering a single point of contact that is committed to being your expert advisor for all organizational learning needs.”
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