6 2
EQUANIMITY
|
Fall editioN 2012
celebrate you
Ben Lecomte
and dotting the `i's". Think of it as building a house
from scratch: No one builds a partial structure
and calls it complete. When Lecomte swims, it will be a
race you don't start a race and suddenly decide to go
back because you forgot something. Once Lecomte is on
the ocean, there is no looking back; at least that's what he
says and that's enough to tell you that he's ready.
As I follow Lecomte, I'm able to throw in a few questions
here and there when he least expects it. Considering his
sense of humor, I have to keep reminding him that this
is an interview for the magazine. He tells me that he's a
swimmer, not a comic, but deep inside there's that person
that unexpectedly cracks jokes. As you watch the swim,
pay attention to how he throws in those jokes as part
of his speech. There may not be any punch lines in this
conversation, but you'll get the sense of who Lecomte is:
LuMBIE:
What can you say about your `test of patience' at
this time?
LECoMTE:
The delays are definitely testing my patience, but this
is the nature of any big and first-time project; you never know
what is going to happen and cannot control everything. The key
is to stay flexible and adapt to the situation, to keep pressing and
never give up.
LuMBIE:
You're surrounded with new technology and a big crew.
Nothing like the Atlantic swim. Does this motivate you even more
or does it make you nervous? You will have to learn how to use
this technology.
LECoMTE:
The use of technology is very exciting to me. It will
bring people closer to the event and bring me closer to them. It will
also allow us to conduct some interesting studies about the affect
of an extreme endurance activity on the body.
LuMBIE:
I would think six months is enough time to gather
information and run tests for certain research. With the availability
of high technology on this swim, what research would you like to
see performed as you swim?
LECoMTE:
The heart is the most important organ when it comes
to endurance, so it is one area of focus. Dr. Levine will study the
function and structure of my heart before, during, and after the
swim and assess any changes. I am very interested in getting
the results because this is the first time that a 6month-long
endurance activity has been monitored.
LuMBIE:
Which of the technology devices are you most excited
about and why?
LECoMTE:
The connectivity is the most exciting to me because I
will be able to link up with anybody, just as if I were at home.
LuMBIE:
If there is one thing that you would do differently in your
life, what would it be?
LECoMTE:
As long as I know I am living my passion and pursuing
my dream, there is nothing I want to change in my life.
LuMBIE:
What are you most thankful about?
LECoMTE:
The opportunity to live my passion and pursue
my dream.
LuMBIE:
We know that your children will have the ability to talk
with you and even see you. As you get ready to depart for the
swim, emotions run deep on both sides. What message do you
have for your children to prepare them for your departure? What
message do you have for your wife?
LECoMTE:
Time flies, stay put, and I will be right back.