Dara Torres broke all stereotypical thinking over the weekend. At 41, she has the world in awe as she beat her own record from only a couple of decades earlier. . . Both men and women look up to her and wonder: she was 17 in her first Olympics and she's ready for the next, 24 years later. She first retired at 25 - she thought she was too old. She came back and retired again to have her baby. She kept swimming to the day she went into labor. Motherhood obviously keeps her busy and yet, Dara's determination to succeed and reach her goals is a powerful driving force.

Not that she's training now like she trained in her teens. Although she is obviously a genetically gifted athlete, her wins are not just a result of a good match of the laws of inheritance. Her success is a combination of powerful genetics, bull's eye focus, consistency in training, amazing will power, and adaptability to her training needs and physiologic changes. Many changes, including delivering a baby and being ready for the next meet a few weeks later. Dara has adapted to these changes and has also remained open to continuous feedback from her coach: she last worked on her starting technique as she realized it was too slow right before her last competition.

What are the lessons learned from this empowering story?

1) You may have been blessed with incredible abilities: physical, intellectual, or emotional capabilities.

2) Apply them consistently in everything you do. And yet, at the same time,

3) Even though you may be a pro and top notch at what you do, stay open to feedback and advice so as to beat your own record and continue to improve.