What does it take for young athletes to succeed in the evolving world of obstacle course racing? This revealing conversation with rising OCR star Finley Greenleaf offers a rare glimpse into the journey from mini-mudder races to elite competition.

Finley shares his origin story  and his progression through the Junior Development Programme to international competition. What becomes immediately apparent is the stark contrast between British youth development and our European counterparts, particularly the Netherlands, who Finley describes as "years ahead" in facilities, training methodology, and athlete development.

The conversation tackles the critical transition period where many talented juniors are lost to the sport—that 18-19 age range where university, financial independence, and social distractions can pull young athletes away from competition. Morgan and Chris share their own experiences navigating these challenges, offering valuable wisdom for upcoming athletes facing similar obstacles.

Perhaps most compelling is the discussion of mental resilience, as Finley candidly recounts his experience at Tartan Warrior—bouncing back from a disappointing 3K race to perform significantly better in the 8K the following day. This window into the psychological demands of elite competition reveals how champions are truly made.

For parents of young OCR enthusiasts, coaches developing talent, or young athletes themselves, this episode provides essential insights into creating sustainable pathways for youth development in obstacle course racing. From the importance of peer training groups to the value of athletics club participation, the conversation offers practical strategies for nurturing the next generation of OCR champions.

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