Olympic swimmer Natalie Hinds thought that she was finished with swimming in 2016 when she placed 40th at Olympic Trials. After some time away from competitive swimming she decided to compete again -- this time with new self talk, new boundaries and a new perspective on her abilities. Tune in to this exclusive interview as Natalie shares her Olympic-preparation routine and how what she does outside of the pool helps her performance.

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MORE ABOUT NATALIE HINDS

Originally from Midland, Texas, Natalie Hinds is swimming on Team USA in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics in the 4 X 100 free relay. In 2016, Natalie thought she had retired after finishing 40th in the 2016 Olympic Trials. After almost two years away from pool, which included getting a job at Turner Broadcasting in Atlanta, Hinds found herself wanting to compete once again and in 2018 joined the University of Georgia professional group under Jack Bauerle. 

Natalie swam collegiately at the University of Florida where she earned NCAA All-American Honors over 15 times and broke school records as a sprinter. Natalie also swam professionally in 2019 and 2020 for the ISL champion team Cali Condors and is represented by the CG Sports Network. In her down time, Natalie weaves and sells her art at loominarydesign.com.

Episode Topics and Mentions

Turner Broadcasting

University of Georgia

Jack Bauerle

Midland, Texas

University of Florida

NCAA

ISL, International Swimming League

Cali Condors, ISL team

San Antonio

Team USA

Power of routine

Mission Viejo

Christen Shefchunas

Deep breathing

Meditation

Calm app

Headspace app

Team BLAC

Maritza Correia McClendon

Simone Manuel 

Reece Whitley 

George Floyd

Weaving

Natalie Hinds’ weaving website, loominary

Keith Bell - sports psychologist

Takeaways

Maria

1 - Talking to someone can help you articulate your thoughts and take away power from whatever is causing you anxiety or fear. 

2 - Having something else that is unrelated to your goal can give you a way to have a release. 

Kelly

1 - Visualizing having a Plan A and Plan B deflates the pressure and can help you neutralize high-pressure situations. 

2 - Outlining your boundaries and focusing on yourself when you have a big goal in front of you is not selfish. 

Quote of the Week

“What am I willing to put my energy into?” -- Natalie Hinds

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Email us at [email protected]. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns.

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