Tribute to Jimi Flowers

A great coach died on Friday. Jimi came into our lives when David was recruited by Auburn University to swim for them. I was a nervous mom, and spent a few hours on the phone talking to the head coach, David Marsh, and assistant coach Jimi Flowers. I was so encouraged by these men. They were Christian men with fine family values and while I knew they couldn't be a part of my son's life every second of the day, I knew they would emulate the qualities our family admires. I have never regretted that David went to Auburn. He made some life long friends there.

Jimi ended up being Dave's breaststroke coach. Their communication styles clicked and Jimi was able to bring David along. In 2 years time, David was a national champion and well on his way to making the Olympic team. Then the bottom fell out. Jimi needed to leave Auburn for his family. His wife, Sue, whom he loved deeply, couldn't get her severe allergies under control in Auburn. We were so saddened to see Jimi and Sue leave, yet again, Jimi showed that family came first and he would carve out a career somewhere else. They went to Colorado Springs where Jimi worked for the Olympic Training Center. Jimi would remain in our lives.

Jimi continued communicating with David. We had some email contacts, a few visits when we were in Colorado Springs and Christmas cards. We would see him now and then at some competitions. David didn't make the team in 2000 and we heard Jimi threw pillows at the TV while watching the trials. Dave came so close but not close enough.

David moved to California shortly after that and trained with another great coach, David Salo. Jimi faded in our lives a bit, but stayed in contact with David periodically. The Christmas cards still came. David missed the 2004 Olympics then wandered around a bit wondering what was next. In Feb. of 2005, David had his accident in the mountains of Wyoming. He broke his back and became a paraplegic. Coach Salo, Coach Marsh, and Jimi Flowers were some of the first people to fly into Ft. Collins to be with him. David's accident shocked the swimming community and the support he was given was outstanding.

Over the years, Jimi had never lost touch with David. 2 years ago, he asked Dave to consider trying for the paralympics. I'm not sure what all went through David's head. His swimming would be much different than before. His once powerful legs were now a detriment. He used to have the fastest turns off the walls, now his legs would get in the way. Somehow, Jimi helped him overcome those mental hurdles. Jimi was with us when David made the Paralympic team for Beijing in 2008. He knew before we did but he didn't spill the beans. His joy for David and for us was so real. We all hugged and cried and whooped. How exciting that was.

David had to return to Colorado for another back surgery. Training for the paralympics would not be what it needed to be but Jimi encouraged David. When we arrived at the opening Ceremonies in Beijing our tears flowed when we saw Jimi pushing David into the Bird Nest. It was so awesome to see these 2 together. Jimi pushed him onto the pool for his first race. What a bond....

I didn't have the close relationship to Jimi that Dave had, but I knew he would steer him in the right direction. Jimi was a godly man that lived his values. He was the kind of man I would be happy for my son to imitate. I don't know why God allows such a man to be taken to his heavenly home when he seems to be needed so much down on earth, but I do know Jimi had a positive impact while he was here. My prayer for his family is that they remember his faith in Jesus, his strength to live a valuable life, and to continue to take Joy in the life given. What a gift Jimi was to all who knew him in any capacity.