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What does it really take to develop an elite athlete and how can parents best support their child’s journey?

In this episode, former professional ice hockey coach Alex Stein shares his insights on the fundamentals of high performance. From building confidence through intentional practice to developing resilience through adversity, Alex highlights the habits and mindset that separate good athletes from great ones.

Alex and Mariel also dive into the challenges of parenting high-achieving youth, introducing Alex’s “3 E’s”: creating the right environment, enabling kids to face challenges, and ultimately empowering them to define and pursue their own vision of success. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or parent, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom for growth both in sports and in life.

After more than two decades of successful elite-level professional sports coaching across eight countries, Alex seamlessly transitioned from the locker room to the boardroom. As the founder of The Elite Mindset Coaching, Alex is dedicated to developing business teams and their leaders, drawing on his international coaching triple accreditation and extensive background in coaching elite athletes. Specializing in executive team coaching and leadership development, he applies his expertise through a systemic lens to foster value-adding, positive, inclusive, and supportive cultures within organizations worldwide.

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Confidence isn’t something athletes are born with, it’s something they build. In this week's episode, coach Alex Stein shares why resilience, consistency, and the right environment matter more than talent when it comes to long-term success.

Full episode drops tomorrow.

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What does it take to perform under pressure and actually thrive there? Serbian professional boxer Jelena Janicijevic discovered the power of visualization, mindfulness, and mental training tools that helped her push through fear, overcome setbacks, and achieve history as the first Serbian woman to medal at the European Boxing Championship. Now, as a mentor to young athletes, Jelena reflects on the value of internal motivation, focusing on daily processes, and staying true to yourself in a world that often prioritizes quick wins. Her story is a reminder that sport is more than medals, it’s a lifelong teacher of resilience, discipline, and character.

Jelena Janicijevic, a former kickboxer turned professional boxer, has built a remarkable career through determination and skill. She transitioned to boxing in 2015, facing early challenges including a loss in her professional debut in France. Undeterred, she earned multiple victories and, in 2022, captured the European female lightweight title after a hard-fought rematch against Oleksandra Sidorenko. That same year, Jelena made history by winning Serbia’s first-ever senior medal at an International Boxing Association event, taking bronze at the European Amateur Boxing Championships. She has also competed at the IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships, demonstrating her resilience against some of the world’s top fighters. Known for her grit, discipline, and relentless pursuit of growth, Jelena now inspires others by sharing her journey and helping athletes discover their own strength and potential.

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Nerves don’t mean you’re weak, they mean you care.

In this weeks episode, Serbian professional boxer Jelena Janicijevic shares how athletes can reframe pressure and start thriving in the moments that matter most.

Full episode drops tomorrow.

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Behind Canadian National Team cyclist Tyler Rorke’s rise is a foundation built by his parents, not just in early rides to practice, but in the way they navigated disappointment, pressure, and big decisions alongside him. When Tyler was cut from Junior Worlds, their steady support helped him process the setback, find his own motivation, and grow stronger for the long game. In this episode, Tyler's parents reflect on how they balanced guidance with independence, created a safe space for open conversations, and fostered both his love for the sport and his life outside of it. For parents of young athletes, this is a masterclass in showing up without overshadowing.

James and Chantal Rorke are the proud parents of a 22-year-old track cyclist who represented Team Canada at the Paris 2024 Olympics. With years of experience supporting their son’s journey from local races to the world stage, they share candid insights into the dedication, sacrifices, and family teamwork behind raising a youth elite athlete. In this episode, they open up about the Olympic experience, the lessons learned along the way, and the joys and challenges of guiding a young athlete to achieve their dreams.

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What does it take to raise a resilient athlete?
For Canadian National Team cyclist Tyler Rorke, the answer was in the balance his parents struck supporting him through the highs and lows without ever taking the steering wheel.

In tomorrow’s episode, Tyler's parents share how they helped him process disappointment, protect his love for the sport, and navigate the pressures of elite competition.

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How do you support your young athlete’s mental toughness without hovering? In this Q&A episode, Mariel and Kyle dig into questions from parents about building resilience, avoiding burnout, and balancing mental and physical training. From stepping back to let kids take ownership, to knowing when to step in and support, they share personal stories, practical tools, and honest insights. You’ll also hear a powerful anxiety-calming technique from a Serbian boxing champion that athletes can use in any pressure moment. Whether you're a parent, coach, or athlete, this one’s packed with gold.

Kyle brings a rare blend of athletic experience, media expertise, and deep empathy to the Forged Youth | Legacy Within team. A former collegiate volleyball player turned media arts graduate, he has built a career at the intersection of storytelling and service. 

With a background in TV, radio, and podcast production, Kyle is the creative force behind the scenes, shaping the sound, tone, and impact of each episode. Beyond the tech, he’s driven by a passion for mental health advocacy and youth empowerment. 

Kyle’s presence is steady, thoughtful, and essential to the mission of helping young athletes forge lives of resilience, integrity, and purpose. 

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What’s the line between support and pressure? In this weeks episode, Mariel and Kyle unpack what it really means to build resilience in young athletes without micromanaging their every move. Plus, a powerful mindset trick from a Serbian boxing champ you’ll want to steal.

The full episode drops tomorrow. Don’t miss it.

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When a setback shut the door on Tyler Rorke’s biggest dream as a youth cyclist, he chose not to walk away, he doubled down. In this episode, Canadian National Team sprinter Tyler joins Mariel to talk about the path that didn’t go as planned, and how rejection from Junior Worlds became the catalyst that launched his elite career. He shares what it really looks like to train full-time while staying grounded, how he manages pressure before big races, and why recovery is just as important as time on the bike. This is a must-listen for any athlete learning to ride out the lows and stay focused on the long game.

Tyler Rorke is a Canadian Olympic cyclist known not just for his explosive speed and stamina, but for his unshakable mental game and relentless pursuit of growth — on and off the track. Representing Canada on the world stage, Tyler has become a symbol of grit, discipline, and what it means to bet on yourself when the odds are steep.

From his early days riding with his local club team, KW Cycling Academy, to standing on the start line at the Olympic Games, Tyler’s journey has been anything but easy. Burnout and mental fatigue has tried to derail him — but each setback became fuel. His career is built on intentionality, resilience, and a deep commitment to turning pain into purpose.

Tyler now shares his story with athletes, and families — demystifying the path to elite performance and advocating for a new kind of strength: one that’s rooted in mindset, vulnerability, and self-trust.

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What happens when your biggest dream says “no”?
For Canadian National Team cyclist Tyler Rorke, it was the moment that changed everything.

In tomorrow’s episode, Tyler opens up about how rejection from Junior Worlds became fuel for a bigger, bolder path, and what it takes to stay mentally strong in the highs and lows of elite sport.

🎙️ Full episode drops tomorrow.