Interview with Olympian Summer Sanders

On July 15th of this year, Summer Sanders fulfilled one of her life long dreams. She carried the Olympic Torch in London and ran her assigned 370 yards toward the Windsor Castle! I can't even imagine what that must have felt like. To hold the Olympic spirit right in your very own hands. I do know that after interviewing Summer, she told me that she was thrilled and honored to be given this opportunity.  Below is a little background on Summer Sanders and my Q&A with her. She is such an inspiration and a wonderful mom!

 

In 1992, 19-year-old American swimmer Summer Sanders made quite the impression at the Olympic Games in Barcelona, where she won four medals, two of which were gold. Since then, she has become a sports and entertainment broadcaster, a wife and a mother to daughter Skye, 6, and son Charlie, 4, who they call  "Spider". She is currently a member of Kellogg’s Team USA. The team promotes starting each day with breakfast and connects Americans with Team USA Olympic athletes. Most recently, Sanders signed on to be on-air talent for the new Pac-12 Network debuting August 2012. In honor of the 2012 Summer Olympics, Summer's interview covers her Olympic experiences, how she encourages her children to be the best they can be and she explained how her own mother played a huge role in her athletic success as an Olympian. 

Q- What parenting tips do you have for us moms?

A - Be consistent! Consistency is the way I live my life. If they are being naughty I hold my kids accountable for their actions. Even if I just got off a plane and haven't seen them for a couple days. I will stay consistent in how I discipline.

Q- How do you balance motherhood with a booming career? 

A - My motto is to be present. I give my kids quality time when I am with them. I focus on the moments I have with them. I call it, "working in the cracks." 

Q - What are your "mommy mottos" - 

A- "Just take a deep breathe", "clean your mind of clutter", "don't be afraid to dream big", "you can do anything you want to do."

Q- How did you feel in 1992 before swimming with the Duracell Team at the Olympics?

A- It was a huge weight on my shoulders. I remember getting a telegram from a woman in Texas before I swam the 200m butterfly. She said, "I'm very proud of you and inspired by you." Those words definitely motivated me during my race. 

Q- What words of wisdom did your mother tell you growing up?

A- Every day before I went to bed, my mom would say, “You can do anything you put your mind to, as long as you believe that.” I thought every kid heard that!

Q- How did your parents teach you to eat healthy and prepare for your vigorous swimming schedule?

A- My parents taught me that food is fuel. I was taught to eat proper foods to keep up with my training schedule. Eat a good breakfast that sticks to your ribs was my parents motto. Use fresh ingredients, fresh veggies and fruits are always a must.

Q- How do you get your kids to eat healthy?

A- We have a three bite rule in our family. My kids have to taste everything before they decide they don't like it. Lead by example. Show your kids that you are eating healthy and living a healthy lifestyle.

Q- What are a few of your favorite sunscreen products for kids?

A- I love Coopertone baby. But whatever you use apply with purpose. Recognize and respond to how your kid's skin reacts to these products. Remember in the sunny months at school that outside recess will be going. Apply their sunscreen with purpose and tell them what you are doing.

Q- What are your feelings about  getting signed onto the Pac-12 Network?

A- This is a dream job! I'm so excited to be back in San Francisco. 

Q- Tell me about Kellogg's Team USA.

A- Their slogan is “From great starts, come great things.” Breakfast, for example, has become the new dinner in my house. That’s when we have our conversations, about what we want to do for that day, about our hopes and our dreams for what we’ll accomplish. I think readers would love to go to Kelloggs.com/TeamUSA to watch a Team Kellogg Inspirational Beginnings video, where the Team Kellogg’s athletes and I are in our homes. When people are watching the London Olympics this summer, this will bring them closer to the team. And readers can send well wishes to the athletes via Facebook.com/Kelloggs. They will read them, and the messages do affect them.