#17 - Mike Thomas - Swimming Into the Fire

Today’s guest is Mike Thomas

Mike Thomas a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley, where he was a 7x All-American swimmer and a member of Cal Berkeley’s 2019 NCAA National Championship Swim Team when the Cal Bears defeated the University of Texas Longhorns.

Growing up, Mike attended Hatboro Horsham High School outside of Philadelphia, where he broke the National 100m Backstroke record during his junior year and was one of the top swim recruits in the nation coming out of high school. 

After an impressive 4 year swim career at Cal Berkeley, where he also competed at the Olympic trials, Mike Thomas traded diving into the swimming pool for jumping into wild fires.

Mike began training to become a wildland firefighter for Cal Fire. And soon found himself on the front lines battling some of the largest wildfires in California State history.

Mike and I discuss what it's like to be on the front lines of historic wildfires, his training to become a Swiftwater and flood rescue technician and his current job of paramedic.

Mike and I also get into what he calls the toughest challenge he ever faced, the untimely death of his dad who was diagnosed and battled with leukemia during his junior year at Berkeley. Man, that’s got to be really hard.

Mike and I also discuss the importance of establishing a nighttime routine that sets your next day up for success, the book that most influenced his life and why hard work and humility are the trademarks of a champion.

At 24 years old, Mike is the youngest guest we’ve had on the podcast and one of the most impressive. You can’t help but be impressed and motivated after you speak with him. It’s remarkable how he tackles the obstacles life throws at him and the tenacity and focus he attacks the goals he places in front of him.

Thank you for listening.  

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We have a bunch of cool interviews, like this one, to come.

Enjoy my conversation with Mike Thomas, 7x All American, member of Cal Berkley’s 2019 National Championship Swim Team, Wild Land Fire Fighter and Paramedic. 

And remember… “Life is built, not born…”

Mentioned In This Episode:

Video: 2019 NCAA National Swim Championships

Book: The Power of Now

Website: Cal Fire