A life-changing day

Broke --- (he was broke)
Won eight Olympic gold medals

Before: poor, no one knows me, laugh at me
After: rich, famous, strong, my country, respect me
Sport: swimming (breast stroke 400m, freestyle200m, back stroke 100m, 4x100 relay)
Alex: serious, poor, tough, 17
Coach(dad): strong, stern, National team:

The day: competition