Summary

In this engaging conversation, the Matt and Samer discuss the journey of a Lebanese cross-country skier who overcame significant challenges to qualify for the Olympics. They explore themes of resilience, the beauty of Lebanon's Cedars of God, the experience of competing at the Olympics, and the importance of support systems in an athlete's life. The conversation also delves into the lessons learned from adversity, the sacrifices made for athletic success, and the values that come with being an Olympian. Ultimately, the discussion emphasizes living in the moment and the power of belief in oneself.

Takeaways

The journey to the Olympics is filled with challenges and triumphs.

Lebanon's Cedars of God is a beautiful training ground for athletes.

Qualifying for the Olympics is a significant achievement for any athlete.

Coping with pre-Olympic jitters involves living in the moment.

Experiencing the Olympics is a unique and unforgettable experience.

Overcoming adversity can lead to personal growth and resilience.

Support systems are crucial for athletes during their journeys.

Consistency and resilience are key to athletic success.

Being an Olympian is about more than just competing; it's about values and legacy.

Reflecting on past achievements can motivate future success.

Sound bites

"You can do it again."

"Sports can humble you."

"You need some help from others."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

03:01 Journey to Cross-Country Skiing

05:55 The Beauty of Lebanon's Cedars of God

08:57 Qualifying for the Olympics

11:42 Pre-Olympic Jitters and Coping Mechanisms

15:00 Experiencing the Olympics for the First Time

17:51 Overcoming Adversity: The Near-Death Experience

20:52 Recovery and the Road Back to Competition

23:45 The Importance of Support Systems

26:36 Lessons Learned from the Athletic Journey

29:33 The Cost of Being an Athlete

32:31 The Values of an Olympian

35:35 Motivation and Resilience

38:25 Looking Ahead to Milano Cortina

41:27 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Keywords

Olympics, cross-country skiing, Lebanon, Cedars of God, resilience, athlete journey, overcoming adversity, Milano Cortina, Olympic values, support systems

Follow Samer @samertawk.oly

In this engaging conversation, I interview Bjørn Dæhlie, a legendary cross-country skier, discussing his journey from professional athlete to businessman. We explore Bjørn's passion for skiing, his experiences in the sport, and the coincidences that shaped his career. The conversation delves into training insights, the evolution of Norwegian skiing, and the importance of mental preparation for competitions. Bjorn shares valuable advice for young athletes on building a personal brand and navigating sponsorships, while also reflecting on his iconic Olympic moments and the lessons learned from his athletic career.

Keywords

skiing, Bjorn Dali, cross-country skiing, Olympic moments, personal brand, athlete advice, training, competition, life after sports, mental preparationSummary

In this engaging conversation, Matt C Smith interviews Bjorn Dali, a legendary cross-country skier, discussing his journey from professional athlete to businessman. They explore Bjorn's passion for skiing, his experiences in the sport, and the coincidences that shaped his career. The conversation delves into training insights, the evolution of Norwegian skiing, and the importance of mental preparation for competitions. Bjorn shares valuable advice for young athletes on building a personal brand and navigating sponsorships, while also reflecting on his iconic Olympic moments and the lessons learned from his athletic career.

Takeaways

Bjorn emphasizes the importance of enjoying the moment as an athlete.

He believes that coincidences played a significant role in his career.

Training with better athletes can elevate your performance.

Mental preparation is crucial for competition success.

Building a personal brand is essential for athletes today.

Athletes should focus on long-term partnerships with sponsors.

The evolution of Norwegian skiing has changed the competitive landscape.

Bjorn encourages young athletes to find a supportive community.

He reflects on the sacrifices made during his athletic career.

Winning Olympic gold has provided him with confidence and opportunities.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Connection

02:56 Christmas Traditions and Skiing Passion

05:57 Life After Professional Skiing

08:47 Coincidences and Career Development

12:07 The Journey to Becoming a Professional Skier

14:55 Training Regimen and Techniques

18:03 The Evolution of Norwegian Skiing

20:50 Learning from the Best

24:01 The Importance of Community in Sports

26:46 Reflections on the Athlete's Life

29:44 Advice for Aspiring Athletes

32:36 The Olympic Journey and Mental Preparation

35:42 Iconic Olympic Moments

36:09 The Olympic Moment: A Personal Story

42:13 Building a Personal Brand as an Athlete

51:03 Lessons from Sports: Business Insights for Athletes

57:01 Advice for Young Athletes: Building Partnerships

In this episode, I sit down with Kjartan Haugen a Norwegian Para athlete who lost his leg to cancer at 18yrs old. He went onto gain 6 Olympic medals, and in this conversation we touch on how he returned fro 10yrs, then came back and won another medal in Beijing and what that time off taught him about bing an athlete now.

Takeaways

Returning to sport after a long break can reignite passion and joy.

Experiencing the Paralympics is a unique and memorable journey for athletes.

Mental preparation is crucial for success in high-pressure competitions.

Winning medals can bring both joy and unexpected pressure.

Focus on performance rather than the prestige of the event.

Equipment and technology play a vital role in para sports performance.

Classification in para sports is complex and continually evolving.

Athletes often face unique challenges that require tailored training approaches.

The joy of sport should always be a primary motivation for athletes.

Follow Kjartan at @Kjartannhaugen on intagram.

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Seve De Campo shares his journey as a cross-country skier, from his early days in Melbourne to his experiences as an Olympian. The discussion covers the importance of mental preparation, the significance of personal branding for athletes, and the role of social media in building a community. Seve also reflects on the lessons learned from his Olympic journey and offers advice for managing pre-race jitters. The conversation highlights the fun and camaraderie in the sport, as well as the challenges faced by athletes in their pursuit of excellence.

Takeaways

Seve is preparing for his first race in Ruka.

The importance of mental preparation before races.

Cross-country skiing has a strong community in Australia.

Seve's journey from Melbourne to the Olympics.

The significance of personal branding for athletes.

Live streaming can enhance athlete engagement.

The King of Trondheim promotes fun in skiing.

Social media can be a powerful tool for athletes.

Enjoying the journey is as important as the destination.

Building a personal brand takes time and authenticity.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Chit-Chat

04:51 Seve's Journey in Cross-Country Skiing

19:35 The Transition to Europe and Professionalism

34:18 Individualized Training and Future Aspirations

23:45 The Role of AI in Coaching and Training

28:19 First World Cup Experience: Overcoming Challenges

31:17 Qualifying for the Olympics: The Journey to Beijing

35:57 Experiencing the Olympics: Highlights from Beijing

38:56 Looking Ahead: Anticipation for Milano Cortina

40:26 Social Media Mastery: Building a Personal Brand

47:28 Building Connections in Sports

50:13 The Importance of Personal Branding

53:18 Innovative Approaches to Athlete Branding

59:10 The Journey of an Olympian

01:08:53 Embracing the Olympic Experience

Summary

In this episode, Matt C Smith interviews Markus Hoiberg, a three-time Olympian in curling, exploring the intricacies of the sport, its evolution, and the unique experiences of competing at the Olympics. They discuss the importance of teamwork, mental preparation, and the physical demands of curling, as well as the impact of recent scandals on the sport's equipment standards. Markus shares insights from his Olympic journey, offering advice for first-time Olympians and highlighting the dominance of curling nations like Canada.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Curling and the Podcast

01:58 Markus's Journey into Curling

03:10 The Evolution of Curling: From Outdoors to Indoors

05:40 Understanding the Game of Curling

10:20 The Role of Sweeping in Curling

11:55 The Broomgate Scandal and Its Impact

16:40 The Athletic Side of Curling

22:21 Mental Training and Team Dynamics

26:25 Training Regimens for Curlers

28:31 The Evolution of Curling and Its Dominant Nations

30:52 Experiencing the Olympics: First Impressions and Lessons Learned

34:45 Roles and Responsibilities: From Alternate to Competitor

40:00 Advice for First-Time Olympians: Embracing the Experience

41:58 The Fun Side of Curling: Culture and Community

42:53 The Intricacies of Curling: Surprising Facts and Insights

Takeaways

Curling has evolved from outdoor to indoor play due to weather conditions.

The sport of curling involves strategy, teamwork, and physical fitness.

Sweeping plays a crucial role in controlling the rock's path.

The Broomgate scandal highlighted the importance of standardized equipment in curling.

Mental preparation is as important as physical training for curlers.

Curling requires a high level of fitness, especially for sweepers.

The Olympic experience is unique and varies from first to third participation.

Canada is the dominant nation in curling, with a rich history in the sport.

Team dynamics and communication are vital for success in curling.

The Mixed Doubles format offers a faster-paced alternative to traditional curling.

Zak Ketterson shares his journey as a cross-country skier, discussing his upbringing in Minnesota, the impact of the NCAA system on his career, and the importance of building a personal brand as an athlete. He emphasizes the role of social media and content creation in connecting with fans and sponsors, and reflects on his aspirations for the upcoming Olympics. Zak also highlights the significance of authenticity in his content and the challenges and rewards of being a professional athlete.

takeaways

• Zak Ketterson emphasizes the importance of seeing athletes as multifaceted individuals.
• The NCAA system provides a sustainable path for athletes to balance education and sports.
• Building a personal brand is crucial for athletes to thrive financially.
• Social media platforms like YouTube and newsletters are effective tools for athlete engagement.
• Authenticity in content creation helps athletes connect with their audience.
• The journey of a professional athlete involves both challenges and opportunities.
• Minnesota has a strong cross-country skiing culture that supports young athletes.
• The importance of community support in an athlete's journey is paramount.
• Zak's experience shows that setbacks can lead to new opportunities for growth.
• The Olympic experience is about more than just competition; it's about the memories made.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Zak Ketterson

02:03 The Journey of a Cross-Country Skier

06:10 Growing Up in Minnesota: A Cross-Country Skiing Culture

10:53 The NCAA System and Its Impact on Skiing

16:08 Building a Personal Brand as an Athlete

21:54 The Role of Social Media in Skiing

27:41 Content Creation: YouTube and Newsletters

33:47 The Importance of Authenticity in Content

39:37 The Future of Zak Ketterson: Olympic Aspirations

54:36 Reflections on the Olympic Experience

Scott Meenagh is a former solder turned Paralympian. In this episode we get a master class in resilience from his journey into parasports, to his fight to keep his sport funded and represented.

Takeaways

The journey to success is often filled with adversity.

Finding purpose in sport can lead to personal growth.

The transition to a new sport can be challenging but rewarding.

Military training can influence athletic mindset positively.

Community support is crucial for athletes' success.

The cost of elite sport often affects family and friends.

Finding balance in life is essential for long-term success.

Selflessness can enhance team dynamics and performance.

Enjoying the journey is as important as the end goal.

Preparation for major events requires mental and physical readiness.

Chapters

00:00 The Path to Paralympic Sports

02:56 The Role of Sport in Rehabilitation

05:59 The Invictus Games Experience

08:37 Transitioning to Nordic Skiing

11:37 Military Mindset vs. Athletic Mindset

14:50 The Cost of Elite Performance

17:52 Balancing Life and Sport

20:57 The Importance of Enjoying the Journey

23:56 Parenting and Athletic Identity

26:46 Training with Purpose and Fun

38:38 Training Identity and Unique Approaches

44:59 Fearlessness and the Secret Sauce

52:15 The Journey to Nordic Skiing

59:33 Overcoming Challenges and Funding Issues

01:03:24 Looking Forward to Milan 2026

In this engaging conversation, Matt and Boris Stanish explore Boris's journey as an aspiring biathlete aiming for the Olympics through his Project 509 initiative. They discuss the importance of social media in documenting the athlete's journey, the challenges of balancing training with content creation, and the impact of community engagement. Boris shares insights on his experiences, the significance of building in public, and the legacy he hopes to create. The conversation culminates in reflections on the road to the Olympics and the opportunities that arise from sharing one's journey.

Takeaways

Boris's journey into biathlon began at a young age due to his parents' love for skiing.

Project 509 is about documenting every day of Boris's journey to the Olympics.

Social media can be a powerful tool for athletes to share their stories and inspire others.

Consistency in content creation is key, even during tough times.

Building a community around sports can lead to greater engagement and support.

Athletes should focus on documenting their process rather than striving for perfection in content.

The importance of having a clear mission and goals in sports and social media.

Boris emphasizes the need for athletes to give back to their communities.

Social media can open doors to opportunities and sponsorships for athletes.

The journey to the Olympics is filled with challenges, but perseverance is crucial.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Social Media Bromance

04:52 Inspiration and the Journey to Biathlon

07:18 The Path to Becoming an Olympian

10:01 Project 509: Documenting the Olympic Journey

12:54 Building in Public: The Athlete's Perspective

15:22 Content Creation and Consistency

18:18 Balancing Social Media and Athletic Life

21:16 Opportunities from Social Media Engagement

23:36 Community Engagement and Giving Back

26:27 Future Aspirations and Financial Opportunities

32:01 Rolls for Rolls: Building Community Through Roller Skiing

36:22 Inspiration from Young Athletes: The Power of Community

38:36 Legacy and Goals: What Will We Leave Behind?

39:56 Challenges of Project 509: Overcoming Adversity

43:10 Consistency in Content Creation: The Daily Grind

47:15 Olympic Aspirations: The Road to Qualification

50:38 Looking Forward: Anticipating the Olympics

#biathlon, #Project509, #Olympics, #socialmedia, #athletejourney, #contentcreation, #communityengagement, #training, #legacy, #inspiration

In this episode, Henrik Christiansen, a Norwegian swimmer and Olympic athlete, shares his journey from a young soccer player to becoming a world-class swimmer and the infamous 'Muffin Man.' He discusses the importance of authenticity in building a personal brand, the pressures of social media fame, and how he navigated his viral moment during the Olympics. Christiansen emphasizes the need for athletes to view themselves as entertainers and the significance of enjoying their sport. He also reflects on monetizing his personal brand and the lessons learned along the way, encouraging fellow athletes to embrace their individuality and engage with their communities.

Takeaways

Henrik Christiansen is a Norwegian swimmer specializing in long-distance events.

He transitioned from soccer to swimming after realizing his passion for the water.

Christiansen's journey includes a love for theater, which he balanced with swimming.

He became known as the 'Muffin Man' during the Tokyo Olympics, gaining viral fame.

Social media can be a powerful tool for athletes to build their personal brands.

Authenticity and engagement are crucial for success on social media.

Athletes should view themselves as entertainers to connect with their audience.

Enjoying the sport is essential for long-term success and fulfillment.

Monetizing a personal brand can provide financial stability for athletes.

Christiansen encourages athletes to think about their identity beyond sports.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Henrik Christiansen

02:52 The Journey into Swimming

06:51 Choosing Between Sports and Theater

07:42 Becoming the Muffin Man

11:08 Going Viral at the Olympics

15:58 The Pressure of Social Media Fame

19:03 Building a Personal Brand as an Athlete

26:35 Authenticity and Engagement in Social Media

29:11 The Importance of Enjoying the Sport

37:42 Monetizing the Personal Brand

48:10 Future Opportunities and Lessons Learned

#olympics #HenrikChristiansen #swimming #Olympicathlete #personalbrand #socialmedia #MuffinMan #athleteengagement #monetization #authenticity #sports #milanocortina #winterolympics

In this episode, Rakan Alireza shares his journey from Jeddah to the TED stage, discussing the challenges of public speaking, transitioning from rowing to cross-country skiing, and the rigorous training required for Olympic qualification. He reflects on the importance of community support, overcoming fears, and the mental aspects of competing. Rakan emphasizes the significance of enjoying the journey and setting future goals, while also highlighting the unique camaraderie within the sports community.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey Begins: From Jeddah to the TED Stage

02:56 Overcoming Challenges: The Art of Public Speaking

05:50 From Rowing to Skiing: A New Adventure

08:44 The Road to the Olympics: Training and Trials

11:43 Finding a Coach: The Search for Guidance

14:22 Racing Against Time: The Qualification Process

17:01 Injuries and Setbacks: Learning from Experience

20:06 The Mental Game: Overcoming Fears and Doubts

23:04 The Importance of Community: Support in Sports

26:02 Looking Ahead: The Olympics and Beyond

29:07 Reflections on the Journey: What It Means to Compete

31:51 The Future: Goals and Aspirations Post-Olympics