Last night, we were in Manhattan for the Golden Goggles, USA Swimming’s

Last night, we were in Manhattan for the Golden Goggles, USA Swimming’s annual awards banquet.

We were excited to meet and speak with Hapa Olympic athletes Nathan Adrian, Lia Neal and Natalie Coughlin.

Nathan Adrian was honored for the male race of the year for his gold medal in the 100 free. Nathan was definitely bombarded by fans and press but we managed to get one question in.

What is the most important thing that you think your “Chinese Tiger Mom” taught you?
A strong work ethic. Even though she didn’t have to work, she worked every day. Even if she wasn’t feeling well, she still made it into work. She has always supported me and made sacrifices for me in order for me to pursue my swimming career.

Aww! It’s always nice to see a man love his mother! Plus, he is beautiful in person!

Nathan is wearing Tommy Hilfiger!

See Nathan accept his award for “Male Race of the Year”

In more Golden Goggle news, Michael Phelps earned male athlete of the year honors for the fourth time after winning six medals, four gold, in London in his final meet.

Katie Ledecky, the 800 freestyle champion at age 15, won female race of the year for breaking Janet Evans’ 23-year-old American record and breakout performer.

Missy Franklin, Rebecca Soni, Dana Vollmer and Allison Schmitt won for their 4×100 medley gold medal in world-record time.

Bob Bowman, who coached Phelps and Schmitt, was coach of the year.

Jessica Hardy, who qualified for the Olympics four years after a drug ban kept her from Beijing, won the perseverance award.

Eric Shanteau, an Olympian and cancer survivor, won the athlete humanitarian award for his work to raise money for cancer research.

In his retirement, Phelps is tackling another sport: golf. He’s working with noted swing coach Hank Haney for the Golf Channel show “The Haney Project.”

12-time Olympic medalist for USA Swimming, Natalie Coughlin, just returned from a trip to Rwanda and was not able to make it back to NYC in time to attend Golden Goggles!

We also spoke to Lia Neal, who won a bronze medal in the women’s 400-meter freestyle relay in London, and has pledged her commitment to swim/study at Stanford. She too said her “Chinese Tiger Mom” has always been very supportive and committed to her throughout her career.