I've been watching the Olympics the last few days, and as usual there is talk about rivalry between friends. The one case I'm hearing about most is with U.S. Men's Swimmers Ryan Lochte and Michael Phelps. Phelps has had an amazing Olympic run in the past, so when Lochte won the 400 meter individual medley Saturday night, many wondered if he and Phelps would still be friends.
For his part, Lochte said, "Whatever happens, we will still be friends."
It's interesting that people are asking him about the friendship. As if he's supposed to slack off because he's competing against a friend he likes and respects. Rivalries just don't work that way. In fact, they usually make you better in your sport. They drive you forward and help you to be the best you can be at a certain sport or event.
Rivalries exist in all kinds of areas, like politics, business, or even in Hollywood. In the past, I developed a friendship with a rival in business, and I had a great deal of respect for her. Here's more about rivalries and the way they can start up a friendship.