Athlete Maestro Podcast

"It never ceases to AMAZE me that we all love ourselves more than other people, but care more about their OPINIONS than our own." - Marcus Aurelius.

While you might be driven by self-love and ambition to excel, it’s easy to become overly concerned with external validation; whether it’s from fans, coaches, or the media. This pressure can lead to anxiety & distractions that hinder your performance. Remember to focus on your personal goals and values instead of worrying about what others think. This mindset can help you build resilience and maintain mental clarity in your sporting career.

If you found this episode helpful, share it with a fellow athlete to help them on their quest to achieve their sports goals. Want me to answer your questions here on the show, send a email to [email protected] 

If you found anything useful on the podcast, please leave a RATING AND REVIEW so other young athletes like yourself can find and benefit from the podcast. To learn how to SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE A RATING on the show, head to www.athletemaestro.com/subscribe. 

For more on Athlete Maestro visit athletemaestro.com 

Find me on social media Instagram - @tolaogunlewe Twitter - @tolaogunlewe

sportsperformance, sportsmindset, studentathlete, collegeathlete, eliteathlete

Focusing solely on the physical development of your child can lead to neglecting essential aspects of their overall growth. As a parent encouraging creativity, critical thinking, and strong interpersonal skills will help your child become a resilient individual.

We share some of the reasons you shouldn't focus on the physical development of your child
1. Everyone develops differently.
2. The physical only grants you entry.
3. The physicals are not the differentiating factor
4. The physicals lead to identity crisis.
5. Being good physically doesn't equate to sports IQ.

In conclusion, it is advisable for parents to adopt a holistic approach to their child's growth. While physical development is important, it's equally vital to emphasize emotional, social, and cognitive skills.

If you found this episode helpful, share it with a fellow athlete to help them on their quest to achieve their sports goals. Want me to answer your questions here on the show, send an email to [email protected] 

If you found anything useful on the podcast, please leave a RATING AND REVIEW so other young athletes like yourself can find and benefit from the podcast. To learn how to SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE A RATING on the show, head to www.athletemaestro.com/subscribe. 

For more on Athlete Maestro visit athletemaestro.com 

Find me on social media Instagram - @tolaogunlewe Twitter - @tolaogunlewe

sportsperformance, sportsmindset, studentathlete, collegeathlete, eliteathlete

In this episode, we look into the career of Canadian Swimmer - Summer McIntosh.

Summer is known for her impressive performances in freestyle and butterfly events. She gained attention for her achievements at a young age, including competing at the Olympics and setting various records. 

At the 2022 World Championships, she won gold in the 200m butterfly & 400m freestyle, plus a bronze in the 200m freestyle. Competing at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics at just 15, she placed fourth in the 200m butterfly. She has also set records and won multiple medals at the World Junior Championships, solidifying her status as a top talent in swimming.

We will share three lessons from her career journey:
1. Put disappoinment behind you: Following her fourth-place finish in the 200m butterfly at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, she chose not to dwell on the setback. Instead, McIntosh dedicated herself to training, resulting in gold in the 200m butterfly and bronze in the 200m freestyle at the 2022 World Championships

2. Your sacrifices will pay off: As an athlete, it's important to always remember that your sacrifices will pay off someday.  The hours of training, the missed social events, and the relentless dedication are all essential parts of the journey. Though the path may be challenging & filled with setbacks, commitment to excellence leads to rewarding outcomes. You need to also know that Success in sports demands perseverance, & these sacrifices ultimately lay the groundwork for achieving goals and fulfilling dreams.

3. Surround yourself with greatness: Athletes like Summer McIntosh thrive in supportive, high-achieving environments. She trained with elite coaches and peers which inspires her improvement. This network has helped her reach remarkable milestones, demonstrating the importance of a strong support system in achieving one’s full potential.


If you found this episode helpful, share it with a fellow athlete to help them on their quest to achieve their sports goals. Want me to answer your questions here on the show, send a mail to [email protected] 

If you found anything useful on the podcast, please leave a RATING AND REVIEW so other young athletes like yourself can find and benefit from the podcast. To learn how to SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE A RATING on the show, head to www.athletemaestro.com/subscribe. 

For more on Athlete Maestro visit athletemaestro.com 

Find me on social media Instagram - @tolaogunlewe Twitter - @tolaogunlewe

sportsperformance, sportsmindset, studentathlete, collegeathlete, eliteathlete

"It's not what you're capable of, it's what you're willing to do' - Mike Tomlin.

This quote reminds us that potential alone isn't sufficient for success. What truly matters is our commitment & determination. You may possess the skills to succeed, but it's the willingness you put into hard work and effort that distinguishes you from others and enable you to achieve your goals. In your sporting career pursuit, it’s action that turns potential into reality.

If you found this episode helpful, share it with a fellow athlete to help them on their quest to achieve their sports goals. Want me to answer your questions here on the show, send a mail to [email protected] 

If you found anything useful on the podcast, please leave a RATING AND REVIEW so other young athletes like yourself can find and benefit from the podcast. To learn how to SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE A RATING on the show, head to www.athletemaestro.com/subscribe. 

For more on Athlete Maestro visit athletemaestro.com 

Find me on social media Instagram - @tolaogunlewe Twitter - @tolaogunlewe

sportsperformance, sportsmindset, studentathlete, collegeathlete, eliteathlete

On today's selects edition of the podcast, we look back at episode 239 were we talked about 'The Five Key Areas Young Athlete  Should Focus On In The Beginning'.

Below are the five key areas in chronological order:
1. Mental - Mental toughness is the cornerstone of success in sports. While physical skills are essential, the mental game is far more critical. Developing mental resilience, focus, & determination takes time and effort, but it's what ultimately gives athletes the willpower to overcome obstacles, push through challenges, & achieve victory in your career.

2. Physical: When mental clarity & focus are established, the physical demands of performance become less daunting. It's at this point that deliberate practice, skill-building and a strong foundation in the fundamentals can propel you to excellence. 

3. Emotions: Mastering your emotions is a vital skill for young athletes to develop, enabling them to perform at their best and maintain a healthy mindset. By recognizing and managing your emotions, you can enhance your focus, confidence, & resilience. 

4. Diet: For young athletes, a balanced diet is also vital to boost performance, speed recovery, and support your overall growth. By making informed nutrition choices, you can optimize your energy levels, minimize injury risk, and unlock your full athletic potential. It is important you have a balance diet, and eat right.

5. Learning: As a young athlete, constant learning is key to success. Pursue knowledge to improve your craft by studying techniques, analyzing performance, learning from coaches & mentors, and embracing new training methods. Stay curious, invest in your development, and prioritize learning to gain a competitive edge and achieve long-term success, both on and off the field.


If you found this episode helpful, share it with a fellow athlete to help them on their quest to achieve their sports goals. Want me to answer your questions here on the show, send a mail to [email protected] 

If you found anything useful on the podcast, please leave a RATING AND REVIEW so other young athletes like yourself can find and benefit from the podcast. To learn how to SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE A RATING on the show, head to www.athletemaestro.com/subscribe. 

For more on Athlete Maestro visit athletemaestro.com 

Find me on social media Instagram - @tolaogunlewe Twitter - @tolaogunlewe

sportsperformance, sportsmindset, studentathlete, collegeathlete, eliteathlete

In this episode, we look into the career of American Shot Putter, Ryan Crouser. He is a two-time Olympic gold medalist, winning in the shot put at both the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. 

Crouser also holds the world record in the shot put, which he set in 2021, surpassing a record that had stood for over 30 years. He is known for his powerful throws and consistent performances at the top level of international competition.

Here are three takeaways from this episode that can be helpful:
- Perfection does not exist
- Train like you're in competition.
-  Winning will not complete you.

Note: These takeaways cannot replace listening to the episode itself. So listen and enjoy!


If you found this episode helpful, share it with a fellow athlete to help them on their quest to achieve their sports goals. Want me to answer your questions here on the show, send a mail to [email protected] 

If you found anything useful on the podcast, please leave a RATING AND REVIEW so other young athletes like yourself can find and benefit from the podcast. To learn how to SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE A RATING on the show, head to www.athletemaestro.com/subscribe. 

For more on Athlete Maestro visit athletemaestro.com 

Find me on social media Instagram - @tolaogunlewe Twitter - @tolaogunlewe

sportsperformance, sportsmindset, studentathlete, collegeathlete, eliteathlete

You are the PRODUCT of your environment, & this holds especially true for athletes. The surroundings in which they train, whether it’s access to top-notch facilities, experienced coaches, or a community that pushes them to succeed, can make all the difference. 

Athletes who grow up in environments that foster discipline, competition, & support are more likely to thrive in their career. Those who come from places with strong sports programs often have an edge over others. Just as their training shapes their bodies, the environment mold your mindset, habits, & overall potential for  your success.


If you found this episode helpful, share it with a fellow athlete to help them on their quest to achieve their sports goals. Want me to answer your questions here on the show, send a mail to [email protected] 

If you found anything useful on the podcast, please leave a RATING AND REVIEW so other young athletes like yourself can find and benefit from the podcast. To learn how to SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE A RATING on the show, head to www.athletemaestro.com/subscribe. 

For more on Athlete Maestro visit athletemaestro.com 

Find me on social media Instagram - @tolaogunlewe Twitter - @tolaogunlewe

sportsperformance, sportsmindset, studentathlete, collegeathlete, eliteathlete

The environment you are in, both physically and spiritually, is crucial to your growth and progress as an athlete. Your surroundings carry emotions that can influence you positively or negatively, affecting your performance & mindset.

Designing your environment to work for you as an athlete involves creating a space that fosters focus, motivation & efficiency in training. 

We will share some key points on the importance of designing your environment to work for you:
1. Recognize the difference between your physical and abstract environment & understand that both are essential for excelling as an athlete.
2. Focus on the specific goal you want to achieve.
3. Once you’ve determined your goal, identify the habits you need to build to reach it, as habits are the building blocks of every goal.
4. Consider the level at which you want to compete as an athlete.
5. Implement the necessary actions and adjustments to make these points work effectively for you.

Remember, the ENVIRONMENT is the invisible hand that shapes HUMAN BEHAVIOR - James Clear.


If you found this episode helpful, share it with a fellow athlete to help them on their quest to achieve their sports goals. Want me to answer your questions here on the show, send a mail to [email protected] 

If you found anything useful on the podcast, please leave a RATING AND REVIEW so other young athletes like yourself can find and benefit from the podcast. To learn how to SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE A RATING on the show, head to www.athletemaestro.com/subscribe. 

For more on Athlete Maestro visit athletemaestro.com 

Find me on social media Instagram - @tolaogunlewe Twitter - @tolaogunlewe

sportsperformance, sportsmindset, studentathlete, collegeathlete, eliteathlete

This episode looks into the career of Julien Alfred - a Sprinter, & Saint Lucia superstar.

She competes in track & field, primarily in the 100m and 200m events. Julien also gained attention for her impressive performances in collegiate competitions in the US while attending the University of Texas. Julien has set several records and won multiple titles, making her one of the standout athletes in her field.

Here are three takeaways from this episode that can be helpful:
- Visualize it happened.
- Trust your training
- Environment is everything.


If you found this episode helpful, share it with a fellow athlete to help them on their quest to achieve their sports goals. Want me to answer your questions here on the show, send a mail to [email protected] 

If you found anything useful on the podcast, please leave a RATING AND REVIEW so other young athletes like yourself can find and benefit from the podcast. To learn how to SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE A RATING on the show, head to www.athletemaestro.com/subscribe. 

For more on Athlete Maestro visit athletemaestro.com 

Find me on social media Instagram - @tolaogunlewe Twitter - @tolaogunlewe

sportsperformance, sportsmindset, studentathlete, collegeathlete, eliteathlete

Another excerpt from EP 1176; The Power Of Subconscious Mind- This is why we are revisiting episode 926 where we talked about how to unlimit your potential as an athlete 

As a young athlete, the power of the subconscious mind plays a crucial role in your performance and success. It is like an internal coach that influences your confidence, focus, & resilience. 

By harnessing your power, you can visualize success, reinforce positive beliefs, and overcome mental barriers that might hinder your performance. So techniques such as mental rehearsal, visualization, and affirmations allow athletes to program their subconscious mind for success, helping them stay focused, confident, and motivated during critical moments in their sport. 

Listen to this excerpt and go back to EP 926 to listen to the full episode.

If you found this episode helpful, share it with a fellow athlete to help them on their quest to achieve their sports goals. Want me to answer your questions here on the show, send a mail to [email protected] 

If you found anything useful on the podcast, please leave a RATING AND REVIEW so other young athletes like yourself can find and benefit from the podcast. To learn how to SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE A RATING on the show, head to www.athletemaestro.com/subscribe. 

For more on Athlete Maestro visit athletemaestro.com 

Find me on social media Instagram - @tolaogunlewe Twitter - @tolaogunlewe

sportsperformance, sportsmindset, studentathlete, collegeathlete, eliteathlete