September 02, 2025

The Underdog with Shona McCallin | DIVE Ep.4

1 hour 4 minutes

Patreon: patreon.com/divebeyondsportpod

In this insightful episode of Dive Beyond Sport, hosts Yona Knight-Wisdom and Freddie Woodward sit down with Shona McCallin, an Olympic gold and bronze medalist in field hockey, mental health advocate, coach, and entrepreneur. Shona shares her experiences from playing in the Rio Olympic final, detailing the preparation, teamwork, and mental resilience required to overcome the odds. The conversation delves into the importance of maintaining a positive identity outside of sport, the value of multi-sport participation during youth, and the life lessons learned from dealing with injuries. Shona also discusses the evolution of the British women's hockey team leading up to their bronze medal win in Tokyo, emphasising the significance of teamwork, preparation, and a supportive environment.

The episode wraps up with Shona's reflections on her life post-sport, maintaining balance, and her ongoing commitment to learning and personal growth.

Show Notes

What defines Shona McCallin’s Olympic journey is resilience through setbacks and triumphs

How she handled the pressures of elite hockey was by focusing on discipline and preparation

Why mental strength is as important as physical training is shown in her recovery from injuries

Where she finds balance beyond the pitch is in building identity outside of sport

What makes teamwork powerful is the shared culture and trust built within Team GB

How she reframed success is by valuing growth and lessons, not just medals

Why leadership matters in sport is reflected in her ability to inspire and guide teammates

What kept her motivated through tough times was her long-term vision and belief in the process

How setbacks shaped her career is by teaching patience, gratitude, and perseverance

Why sharing athlete stories matters is to inspire others to find strength beyond challenges

Subscribe to DIVE Beyond Sport Podcast for weekly episodes diving into athlete stories, mindset, and motivation.

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dive-beyond-sport/id1832706678

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/67pX07qo2f6AZTxOERShpn?si=95b0803ce82642a7

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Follow the Hosts and Guest on Instagram:

Shona McCallin: https://www.instagram.com/shonamccallin24

Freddie Woodward: https://www.instagram.com/freddie_woodward

Yona Knight-Wisdom: https://www.instagram.com/yonakw

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By Yona Knight Wisdom & Freddie Woodward