Losing a towering figure in any sport is never easy for the fans. For swimming loyalists around the world, the demise of the iconic trainer Jon Urbanchek has been nothing short of devastating. Over the last few days, legendary names in the sport like Michael Phelps and others have come together to pay tribute to the Hall of Famer in their own individual ways. And now, the most decorated Olympian of all time once again took to social media to reminisce about the fond words from his former trainer.

Over the years, Phelps has made it clear that his coaches have been an anchor in his life and illustrious career. With guidance from the likes of Bob Bowman and Urbanchek, the Baltimore native was destined for greatness. With one of his trainers now taking his exit from this mortal world, it’s understandably hard for the Flying Fish.

In his recent Instagram story, Phelps shared a post by Olympic gold medalist Kaitlin Sandeno. In the post, a small video clip highlights the only thing that Urbanchek placed higher than winning medals at swimming meets. In the interview from 2016, Urbanchek can be heard saying, “What really matters is not the records you make, the trophies you have, the medals you have, I’m looking for the friendship you have,” confessed the veteran trainer.

During the interview, Jon also called out his prodigal student, as the former laid out his predictions for the future. “Your records, Michael, will be broken, I guarantee that…I don’t care when, but they will be broken,” sounded his ominous words. “But the connection we have, the friendship we take with us, that’s what I will remember,” said Jon with a humility that could be a learning experience for many.

As the world copes with Urbanchek’s passing, only time will tell if his soothsaying abilities about Phelps’ records ring true in the years to come. However, for the time being, Jon’s death has brought together the country’s leading swimming figures to help each other through the troubled times.

Michael Phelps isn’t the only one recovering from an aching heart

Bob Bowman, the iconic swimming coach of the Arizona Sun Devils, and Michael Phelps’ other trainer, shared his grief after news of Jon’s death spread across the nation. “Jon Urbanchek changed the way we think about training swimmers in many ways. He made it more objective, scientific and measurable. However, Jon’s greatest contribution was in developing better humans. He embodied patience, humility and love for everyone he met,” said the current head coach of the Texas Longhorns swimming squad.

On the other hand, swimming stars and Olympians alike, such as Katie Ledecky and Gretchen Walsh, also came forward with their fond memories of the legendary trainer and reminisced about how Jon impacted them throughout his decade-spanning career. Recently, Jon’s long-time friend, Jack Roach, also took to Instagram to note how he and the former shared a special bond and how Urbancheck kept a firm hand on Jack’s shoulder during difficult patches.

As the world recuperates from the void left by Jon, only time will tell if another seminal figure rises up to the occasion and can fill the late trainer’s big shoes to create a lasting legacy for themselves in the coming days.