Rebecca Rusch connects with two-time Olympian and eight-time world champion Caroline Buchanan for a powerful conversation about reinvention, resilience, and redefining success. From near-death recovery to landing the first-ever women’s front flip in competition, Caroline has pushed boundaries in every direction—but it was slowing down that gave her the strength to level up. Together, she and Rebecca explore what it takes to rebuild after loss, lead with authenticity, and find purpose beyond performance.

Show Notes:

In this episode, Rebecca and Caroline explore:

1. How Caroline transformed a life-threatening injury into a launchpad for growth
2. The identity crisis that came with stepping away from racing and learning to pause
3. Why slowing down can be the most powerful move you make
4. The mental shift from outcome-driven goals to purpose-driven living
5. Her transition from BMX Olympian to freeride pioneer and broadcast commentator
6. The creation of her new Ignite mentorship and education platform for athletes

Transformative Insights:

1. “Effort first” — how her parents instilled a mindset of earning progress, not expecting it
2. Why being “what you couldn’t see” became her lifelong mission
3. How a doctor’s simple prescription—gratitude, sunrise, and connection—reignited her joy
4. The “why” statement that became her compass for every decision
5. Using tapping, meditation, and mindfulness to rewire her nervous system for confidence and calm
6. The difference between chasing medals and living a meaningful legacy

Vulnerable Moments:

1. Caroline recounts her devastating 2017 crash that punctured her lungs and heart wall
2. The moment she realized she didn’t have the right people supporting her recovery
3. Facing depression and anxiety during two years of painful reconstruction
4. The courage it took to “put her learner plates back on” and start over in freeride
5. How slowing down forced her to find nurture, femininity, and emotional intelligence

Practical Wisdom:

1. The three healing practices that replaced medication: watch the sunrise, express gratitude, and connect with others
2. How to use mantras as mental anchors in both triumph and hardship
3. “This too shall pass”—a reminder that both pain and glory are temporary
4. How to define your “why” so clearly that it becomes unshakable
5. Viewing patience as part of performance, not a pause from it

Personal Growth:

1. Caroline’s evolution from BMX prodigy to mountain bike pioneer and mentor
2. Building Ignite to guide the next generation of athletes on professionalism and purpose
3. How her near-death experience reshaped her definition of success
4. Learning to lead from the bench—impact without medals
5. The strength that comes from blending mind, body, and spirit into one foundation

Helpful Links:

Connect with Caroline Buchanan:

1. Instagram
2. Caroline’s Website
3. Ignite Program

Mentioned in the Episode:

1. Nam Baldwin – High Performance Coach
2. Wolfpack by Abby Wambach
3. Red Bull Rampage

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