Raising an Olympic Champion: Navigating Youth Sports, Parenting and Fame with Missy Franklin's Father Dick Franklin

Ever wondered how an Olympic champion is raised? Our guest today, Dick Franklin, the father of five-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer, Missy Franklin, takes us through the exhilarating journey of raising an Olympian. We explore their family's unique approach to youth sports, focusing on the balance between motivation and fun, while steering clear of parental pressure. Dick's stories are not just about swimming, but about the importance of fostering love for sports from a young age.

Dick also shares the highs and lows of their family's adventure navigating Missy's rapid rise to stardom, from the thrill of watching their daughter win gold to managing the surge of fame and security concerns that followed. As a treat, we dive into the family's book about Missy, celebrating her growth, achievements, and the profound impact of her swimming career. This is not just a story of an athlete, but a heartfelt tale of a family navigating the world of sports together.

Our conversation doesn't end there. We learn about the family's move to Nashville for their granddaughter, Caitlin, and how they are delighting in her love for swimming, mirroring their journey with Missy.

Dick and his family are huge supporters of Families of Character and were awarded  "Family of the Year" in 2016 for their exemplification of character development, as a unified family.

We also highlight the significant role of donations and supporters in sustaining Families of Character.  Want to continue supporting our mission? DONATE HERE

Get ready to be inspired and gain a deeper understanding of the joys and challenges of parenting a champion and the transformative impact of youth sports on a child's development.

Purchase a copy of the Franklin family's book, Relentless Spirit, here!

Inspired by Missy and want your kids excited about personal responsibility and grit?  Grab a copy of our Guided Kids Journal: The Best Me I Can Be.  It makes a great gift for kids age 7-11, too!

Feeling like you'd like to level up your game in marriage, learn how to gain clarity over the chaos of the family calendar and how to get your whole family playing together like a winning team? Check out our SHOP for current Parent Coaching Programs! Together, we are better!

Check out our website!