ATHLETES:
"Thank you for coming to talk to us at Jersey Wahoos. I took home a lot that I have already used in practice. I can see many people's attitudes already changed, and many swimmers starting to do "jump starts." I'm looking forward to getting the relaxation cd. Thanks so much again and hopefully I will see you at a meet soon. Have fun."
— Susan Skros, Jersey Wahoos
"Listening to Keith Bell has helped me mold myself into a better person. Knowing that I can control how I perform in my mind, I can do anything I set my mind to. With these thoughts, I look forward to every new day, and I am ready to face any challenge."
— Sara Tieke, Anderson Barracudas
"Number one, thank you. I did not get a chance to attend my peak meet last season, because I had an emergency appendectomy a few days prior. I was pretty bummed, but my coach gave me your PLAYBOOK! It was great! I came back, more motivated than ever — and still now, almost a year later, I love it more than anything! So, thanks for that."
— Alissa Hollowell, Swimmer, Issaquah Swim Team
"After filling out the Swim To Win PLAYBOOK sheet I really concluded a purpose for my hours spent in the water. I think that this discovery helps me already in the psychological portion of my swimming."
— Ashley Simonsen, Camper, Mercersburg Academy
"I was a swimmer for John Woods in Orlando, Florida in the early eighties and you came twice for Attitude Training Camps. I never forgot many of the things that you taught us during the seminars. My general mission statement while training was "The pursuit of Excellence." In October '96 I completed the Hawaiin Ironman — this was one of my lifetime goals.
Continue doing the seminars. They have long lasting effects!"
— Benjamin Fertic, Orlando YMCA
"Thank you. You've helped me realize why a person needs competition."
— Chris O.
COACHES:
"Many, many thanks for fitting Wabash College Swimming into your schedule last week. You were terrific! Our men raved about the presentation all weekend."
— Gail Pebworth, Asst. Athletic Director & Head Swim Coach, Wabash College
"As I have said to you before, I feel that the program we worked on together was a good one and is something I felt had a very positive impact on the success of the 1999 season and will have a positive influence into the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
Thank you for your continued concern and support for our program."
— Dave Johnson, National Team Head Coach, Swim Canada
"You may have read Keith Bell's series of well-written simple psychology books for everyday thinking. These are excellent introductions to the type of thinking and mental preparations needed to take the average talented swimmer through the constant barriers to higher success."
— Neil Harvey, SwimNews Magazine, April '96
"You are one of the people that makes swimming the great pursuit that it is. Keep up the good work."
— Monty Hopkins
"Thank you for presenting an outstanding 2-day seminar to the 48 swimmers and the Friday night session to their parents. I felt that the weekend was highly successful and should be very beneficial to the swimmers in the weeks and months ahead. Again, thank you very much."
— Greg Olson, General Chairman, West Virginia Swimming and Director/Head Coach U.C Aquatic Team
" Your books have been a major part of my programs since I first met you when you came to Wilton, Ct. in the early 80's at the request of your friend and mine, Coach Chuck Warner. I conduct a weekly team meeting where I read and we discuss highlighted points of your books. I always start with The Nuts & Bolts of Psychology for Swimmers. It is really ragged now, but still has a great message for all ages."
— Ron Ganslein "The Goose", Bettendorf Team
"I actually have gone through three copies of both "Winning Isn't Normal" and "The Nuts and Bolts of Psychology for Swimmers." Every time we read from the books we find some new insight into dealing with our psychological obstacles. From myself and the many teams that I have coached ... many thanks for your efforts!!"
— Paul Richards, Swim Coach, Dickinson College
PARENTS:
"Hope you got my order. We are hoping to be able to give a couple of the books as gifts. My husband is also giving a copy to the varsity head coach who loved our Coaching Excellence book. We have to give him one of the new ones that we bought from you so that he will give us ours back!"
— Suzi Bird, Mom, Simi Valley
"Your books and writing have been a Godsend to us all. I have used them time after time in working with young people, as well as to keep myself going."
— Jo Curry, Mom,
"Allison Humes attended your camp this past weekend at the Aquatic Center. It was great! She has repeated to me many times: "Dr. Bell said ..." "Dr. Bell said ..."
For many reasons this experience improved her overall attitude. And, the timing was perfect, as she heads into middle school. She has been stimulated and motivated — and we thank you and Sandy.
For example — she has asked to get up and meet Coach Charlie for the 5AM swim — wonders never cease. Thank you both."
— Carol Humes, Mom, Y Team Orlando
"Thanks so much for the great weekend with the team. My daughter, Kim, really enjoyed it and I had the opportunity to listen to you before the Sat/Sun program with the athletes. Kim (15) picked up on a tremendous amount of information, but, I didn't know if she could assimilate it into an actual mind set. Since then she's been much more at ease with herself and this weekend she got the Jr. cut that she's been chasing."
— Joel Miller, Arden Hills