Have you ever wondered how mental resilience can redefine the limits of human performance? Join sport psychology experts Dr. Duncan Simpson and Dr. Greg Young as they delve into Chrissie Wellington's autobiography 'A Life Without Limits,' chronicling her remarkable journey as a former professional triathlete who dominated the Ironman distance.

In this episode, Dr. Simpson and Dr. Young explore Wellington's unexpected rise in the sport, her relentless drive for perfection and control, and the challenges that come with high-level competition, including addiction and pressure. They discuss the themes of striving for excellence, self-validation, and the continuous quest to unleash potential. Wellington’s story is a vivid illustration of overcoming personal battles and finding strength in vulnerability, which collectively contribute to her lasting legacy.

In this episode of Performers, you will:

Tune in to this episode of "Performers" for an inspiring exploration into Chrissie Wellington's life and career, and learn how her journey can inspire your own path to embracing challenges and exceeding your limits.

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A Life Without Limits by Chrissie Wellington ⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/4amiEtB

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ironman and Chrissie Wellington

02:50 Chrissie Wellington's Accidental Athlete Journey

07:58 The Drive for Perfection and Control

13:04 The Dark Side of Addiction and Pressure

15:59 Striving for Excellence and Self-Validation

26:52 Talent, Hard Work, and Flourishing

30:01 Dominating the Field and Smashing Expectations

31:17 Discovering Her Potential

33:14 Meeting Coach Brett Sutton

36:01 Becoming a Professional Triathlete

41:13 First Ironman Experience

46:02 From Anonymity to World Champion

50:14 Training the Mind

55:27 Pushing Beyond Limits

59:11 Enduring Pain and Discomfort

01:01:05 Overcoming Adversity in Kona

01:02:53 Preparing for Challenges

01:03:53 Overcoming Setbacks

01:04:48 Fear of Failure

01:06:15 Pushing Through Pain

01:08:11 Finding Confidence

01:09:11 The Perfect Race

01:10:09 Dealing with Injuries

01:11:05 Flow State

01:13:02 Mental Resilience

01:15:18 Overcoming Doubt

01:18:04 Inner Critic vs Inner Cheerleader

01:19:00 The Iron War

01:20:54 The Power of Mind over Matter

01:23:41 Legacy of Inspiration and Determination