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In this episode of Performance People, Georgie sits down with Red Roses Rugby World Cup winner Abi Burton, whose story of survival, recovery, and triumph is as heart wrenching as it is inspiring. At just 22, Abi was struck down by a rare autoimmune brain illness that left her fighting for her life. But somehow, after more than 3 weeks in a coma, she recovered, rebuilt her body and mind, and made her way back into the England squad, lifting the Rugby World Cup just three years after her brush with death.
Abi opens up about the emotional and physical battles that shaped her comeback, the lessons learned from redefining success, and how she’s found strength in vulnerability. She also shares what it means to be part of a new generation of women’s rugby players inspiring change; from Ellie Kildunne’s Barbie moment to the unapologetic individuality of rivals like Ilona Maher.
It’s a conversation about resilience, self-belief and the growing power of women’s sport. Honest, funny and deeply human, Abi Burton proves that performance isn’t just about winning medals, it’s about becoming stronger than you ever thought possible.
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The ainslie + ainslie Performance People podcast talks to high-performers in the world of sport and beyond, to bring defining moments, hard-earned insights and expert advice to everyday performance. New episodes every Tuesday.
ainslie + ainslie NIGHT POWDER, winner of Best Sleep Supplement in the GQ Sleep Awards 2025.
We love performance, which is why we’ve launched ainslie + ainslie – the first supplement brand to be developed inside elite sport. Now available for everyone. Find out more at www.ainslieainslie.com
________________________________
Connect with Performance People
Hit subscribe today for the latest.
🎧 Spotify/Apple Music
http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/
Connect with Performance People
Hit subscribe today for the latest.
🎧 Spotify/Apple Music
http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/
________________________________
The views and opinions expressed on Performance People are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the views of ainslie + ainslie, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, or any affiliated organisations.
This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.
© Gameface Limited 2026. All rights reserved.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
By Georgie Ainslie4.7
33 ratings
In this episode of Performance People, Georgie sits down with Red Roses Rugby World Cup winner Abi Burton, whose story of survival, recovery, and triumph is as heart wrenching as it is inspiring. At just 22, Abi was struck down by a rare autoimmune brain illness that left her fighting for her life. But somehow, after more than 3 weeks in a coma, she recovered, rebuilt her body and mind, and made her way back into the England squad, lifting the Rugby World Cup just three years after her brush with death.
Abi opens up about the emotional and physical battles that shaped her comeback, the lessons learned from redefining success, and how she’s found strength in vulnerability. She also shares what it means to be part of a new generation of women’s rugby players inspiring change; from Ellie Kildunne’s Barbie moment to the unapologetic individuality of rivals like Ilona Maher.
It’s a conversation about resilience, self-belief and the growing power of women’s sport. Honest, funny and deeply human, Abi Burton proves that performance isn’t just about winning medals, it’s about becoming stronger than you ever thought possible.
________________________________
The ainslie + ainslie Performance People podcast talks to high-performers in the world of sport and beyond, to bring defining moments, hard-earned insights and expert advice to everyday performance. New episodes every Tuesday.
ainslie + ainslie NIGHT POWDER, winner of Best Sleep Supplement in the GQ Sleep Awards 2025.
We love performance, which is why we’ve launched ainslie + ainslie – the first supplement brand to be developed inside elite sport. Now available for everyone. Find out more at www.ainslieainslie.com
________________________________
Connect with Performance People
Hit subscribe today for the latest.
🎧 Spotify/Apple Music
http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/
Connect with Performance People
Hit subscribe today for the latest.
🎧 Spotify/Apple Music
http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/
________________________________
The views and opinions expressed on Performance People are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the views of ainslie + ainslie, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, or any affiliated organisations.
This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.
© Gameface Limited 2026. All rights reserved.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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