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Ever wonder what it takes to become a world-class athlete before you can even drive? Emma Johnson and Gabriel Heller, the silver medalists at the Fifth FAI World Indoor Skydiving Championships in Belgium, reveal exactly how they pulled it off at just 14 and 12 years old.
These extraordinary young competitors take us into the exhilarating world of dynamic two-way indoor skydiving, where they race through wind tunnels at breathtaking speeds while executing precisely choreographed patterns. With remarkable maturity, they describe their journey from last place after the first round to claiming silver on the world stage, demonstrating resilience rarely seen in competitors three times their age.
What's truly fascinating is how they've balanced competitive flying with their education. While Gabriel maintains excellent grades at his private Christian school and plays basketball, Emma has been accepted into an early college program. Their time management strategies alone offer valuable lessons for anyone juggling multiple priorities.
The duo shares intimate details of their mental preparation, from visualization techniques to managing pre-competition nerves. Their coach's advice to "get comfortable being uncomfortable" has become their mantra, pushing them to continually expand their capabilities. They also explain how they've overcome communication challenges and learned to harmonize their different flying preferences – Gabriel's love of speed versus Emma's artistic inclinations.
Beyond their athletic achievements, Emma and Gabriel serve as ambassadors for Children of Fallen Heroes, a charity supporting kids who've lost parents in military service or as first responders. Their perspective on competition – where they'll help opponents understand rule infractions because "you want to make it a fair playing field" – reveals character far beyond their years.
Want to learn how two teenagers conquered the skydiving world while most kids their age are playing video games? This episode will inspire you to push beyond your own perceived limitations, regardless of your age or chosen pursuit.
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By Matt Davidson
5
2222 ratings
Send us a text
Ever wonder what it takes to become a world-class athlete before you can even drive? Emma Johnson and Gabriel Heller, the silver medalists at the Fifth FAI World Indoor Skydiving Championships in Belgium, reveal exactly how they pulled it off at just 14 and 12 years old.
These extraordinary young competitors take us into the exhilarating world of dynamic two-way indoor skydiving, where they race through wind tunnels at breathtaking speeds while executing precisely choreographed patterns. With remarkable maturity, they describe their journey from last place after the first round to claiming silver on the world stage, demonstrating resilience rarely seen in competitors three times their age.
What's truly fascinating is how they've balanced competitive flying with their education. While Gabriel maintains excellent grades at his private Christian school and plays basketball, Emma has been accepted into an early college program. Their time management strategies alone offer valuable lessons for anyone juggling multiple priorities.
The duo shares intimate details of their mental preparation, from visualization techniques to managing pre-competition nerves. Their coach's advice to "get comfortable being uncomfortable" has become their mantra, pushing them to continually expand their capabilities. They also explain how they've overcome communication challenges and learned to harmonize their different flying preferences – Gabriel's love of speed versus Emma's artistic inclinations.
Beyond their athletic achievements, Emma and Gabriel serve as ambassadors for Children of Fallen Heroes, a charity supporting kids who've lost parents in military service or as first responders. Their perspective on competition – where they'll help opponents understand rule infractions because "you want to make it a fair playing field" – reveals character far beyond their years.
Want to learn how two teenagers conquered the skydiving world while most kids their age are playing video games? This episode will inspire you to push beyond your own perceived limitations, regardless of your age or chosen pursuit.
Support the show