I spent ages 18-25 trying to make the Olympics. I got as close as you can get without making it, that was devastating at the time, and it took a long time to come to terms with that. And as I reflected on my athletic career for this episode, it is clear to me that my success was directly related to how much I failed. I hated failing at the time, and when it happened time and time again, I'll be honest there were moments that I doubted my abilities because of those failures. But now, from the safety of my house, with time and distance from those experiences I see them differently. There was no chance of my growth, and ultimately my chance at the Olympics, without those failures. I needed them more than I needed my success, because without failing I probably never would have improved to the level I needed.

Now as I move on to my next adventure in life I want to carry this appreciation and understanding of failing with me as I go. And I hope you will do the same after listening to this episode.