In today’s episode, I’m excited to welcome back Kara Winger, a four time Olympian in the javelin. This summer, she competed in her fifth Olympic trials, and it was quite the journey for her. Despite placing in the top three at the trials, she didn’t qualify for the Paris Olympics because she hadn’t yet met the Olympic standard. Kara shares her thought process behind deciding to aim for the standard during the trials rather than trying to qualify beforehand. She also shares about her decision to come out of retirement this summer to try to qualify for her fifth Olympics.

I’ve always enjoyed interviewing field athletes in track and field, as they often don’t get the spotlight they deserve, and Kara is one of my favorites. She’s at an exciting crossroads in her career, and I can’t wait for you to hear about all that she is looking forward to ahead.

Also, a fun tidbit—Kara had the honor of being a flag bearer for Team USA during the closing ceremonies at the Tokyo Olympics, which is just amazing. Make sure to check her out on Instagram at @Karathrowsjav for more of her journey!

What we talked about:

3:30- How this retirement is feeling different than the last one

17:00- Her experience at the Olympic Trials

20:45- How to handle heartbreak in sport

23:10- Her decision to not chase the standard and have to throw it at the trials

33:35- Coaching

39:30- The growth of javelin as a sport

42:40- Allowing yourself to change your mind

51:40- End of podcast questions

Show notes:

Cast, Catch, Release by Marina Gibson

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow

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