Performers

#27 Jessica Ennis: Overcoming Hurdles with a Gold Medal Mindset


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What does it take to rise above adversity, withstand the pressure of being the “Face of the Games,” and achieve greatness on the biggest stage of all? Jessica Ennis-Hill, one of Britain’s most iconic athletes, shares her inspiring journey of grit, mental toughness, and relentless determination in her autobiography Unbelievable.

Join Dr. Duncan Simpson and Dr. Greg Young as they dive into the extraordinary life and career of this Olympic champion. From her early struggles with bullying to the euphoric high of Olympic victory in London 2012, Jessica’s story offers a powerful blueprint for turning setbacks into comebacks.

  • Learn how positive self-talk and visualization fueled Jessica’s success in the heptathlon.

  • Discover the pivotal moments that shaped her journey, from early struggles with bullying to finding her passion for athletics.

  • Explore the sacrifices and investments required to compete at the highest level, including balancing personal relationships and relentless training.

  • Understand how Jessica overcame devastating injuries, rebuilt her technique, and emerged stronger than ever.

  • Reflect on the challenges of fame, public scrutiny, and the mental toll of carrying a nation’s expectations.

  • Jessica’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of teamwork, and the rewards of embracing the grind in pursuit of greatness. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or someone striving for excellence, this episode is packed with lessons to inspire your own journey.


    Listen on Spotify:⁠ ⁠Spotify⁠⁠

    Listen on Apple:⁠ ⁠Apple⁠⁠

    Watch & Listen on YouTube:⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠⁠

    Buy the Book: Jess Ennis Book


    Socials:

    X -⁠ ⁠https://twitter.com/SportPsychDunc⁠⁠  

    ⁠⁠Instagram⁠ - @Performerspod⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/performerspod/⁠⁠ 

    ⁠⁠Linkedin - Duncan⁠ Simpson⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-simpson-ph-d-cmpc-76244b1a/⁠⁠ 

    ⁠⁠Linkedin - Greg Young⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-young-ph-d-cmpc-64765a35/⁠⁠ 


    Chapters

    00:00 The Olympic Dream: A Moment of Truth

    03:35 Jessica Ennis-Hill: A Champion's Journey

    05:37 Family Dynamics: The Influence of Parents

    08:24 Overcoming Bullying: Finding Strength in Adversity

    10:46 Discovering Passion: The Lightning Bolt Moment

    12:24 The Reluctant Athlete: A Turning Point

    15:11 Sacrifice vs. Investment: The Cost of Greatness

    17:33 The Reluctant Athlete: Embracing Commitment

    20:20 The Role of Support: Parents and Coaches

    21:41 Choosing Home: The Power of Familiarity

    27:22 Understanding the Pressure: The Psychology of Sports

    28:56 The Importance of a Performance-Focused Mindset

    29:52 Balancing Athletics and Academic Commitments

    30:13 The Complex Coach-Athlete Relationship

    32:35 Embracing Discomfort in Training

    35:34 The Impact of Injury on an Athlete's Career

    37:05 Coping with Injury and Emotional Resilience

    42:02 Rebuilding After Injury: A New Approach

    45:05 The Pressure of Competition and Team Dynamics

    47:22 Finding Balance Between Sport and Personal Life

    49:01 Leadership and the Burden of Captaincy

    49:43 The Pressure of Fame and Public Identity

    52:38 The Pressure of Performance

    55:26 The Weight of Expectations

    58:33 The Importance of Social Support

    01:02:30 Overcoming External Challenges

    01:04:57 The Olympic Experience

    01:13:54 The Journey to Victory


    ...more
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    PerformersBy Dr. Duncan Simpson and Dr. Greg Young

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