The Athletes Zone Podcast

In this episode, I talk about the "Crazy vs. Quitter" trap, the double standard where you’re called "crazy" for taking risks but a "quitter" if you prioritize your safety. It is a bit of a “doomed if you do, doomed if you don’t” situation. I dissected the stories of Lindsey Vonn, Simone Biles, and my own Olympic experience to look at how you can navigate these kinds o...

One mistake can ruin an entire performance but it doesn’t have to. In this episode, I talk about why mistakes can completely derail your performance and what actually happens in your brain when they do. I also share what elite athletes do differently to recover fast, stay composed, and keep performing at a high level even after errors. You’ll hear three practical steps you can start using to let g...

The World Athletics Championships in Tokyo just wrapped up last weekend and in this episode I lay out my Top 3 moments of mental strength. You’ll hear what made these performances stand out from a mental performance perspective and most importantly, what you can take away to strengthen your own mindset. Tune in to discover how to build the kind of mental strength that shows up when it matters most...

In this episode, I’m sharing how I use mental training now when I compete for fun compared to when I was an elite athlete and the simple tools that actually work no matter your level. You’ll hear what has stayed the same, what I’ve simplified, and what I’ve left behind. I talked about why adapting your mental training to your needs and season of life matters. You'll see how it can work for you...

In this episode, I’m sharing five clear signs that your mindset might be holding you back from your best performances. These are patterns I’ve seen in countless athletes I’ve worked with and I’ve been guilty of every single one myself. I’ll tell you about the subtle ways stress, mistakes, and outside focus can creep in and quietly sabotage your performance, even when your training is going great....

In this episode, I unpack the five biggest myths about confidence that that quietly wreck athletes’ confidence and performance. If your self-belief feels solid one day and shaky the next, one of these myths is likely to blame. I name each myth, show what the research actually says, and offer a simpler, more practical way to think. Tune in for evidence-based mindset shifts you can start using right...

Caisa-Marie Lindfors is a Swedish Olympian and European discus finalist, currently deep in prep for her second World Championships. We unpack her comeback from three consecutive surgeries, a 14-month exile that forced her to rebuild both body and identity, and the knife-to-the-throat scramble for an Olympic spot. Caisa also reflects on her U.S. collegiate years and how she bounced from World-Champ...

Weightlifting rising star, Eygló Fanndal Sturludóttir, is back on the podcast, now as a European Champion! So much has happened since our last chat in Episode #13, and in this episode, we discuss it all. We talk about the disappointment of just missing the Olympics, how she came back to win the European U23 title while taking best lifter of the meet, her 4th place finish at Worlds, and finally, he...

In this episode, I’m tackling the incredibly frustrating problem of crushing it in training only to choke when it comes to game day. If you are an athlete who can nail it in practice but feel yourself tighten up in competitions, this episode is for you. I'll share why this happens, breaking down the science behind the "threat response" and how your focus shifts under pressure. Tune i...

In this episode, I shared why this summer is a golden opportunity for improving your mental game, whether you're competing or in your off-season. Many athletes unknowingly waste this valuable period. I explained how to avoid common pitfalls and instead use this time to build simple yet powerful mental habits. Tune in to discover my three key tips to help you reset, refocus, and make this your...

In this episode, I’m sharing what I have been up to lately, my biggest takeaway from the sport psychology studies I just finished, and how all of this is going to change things up slightly here in The Athletes Zone. I’ll tell you about the biggest "aha!" moment I had, how we can control where we put our attention instead of just trying to think positive. It's a simple idea, but compl...

In this episode, I’m sharing 3 simple steps to stay calm under pressure and perform your best when it matters most. These strategies made a huge difference in my career, and I’ll take you behind the scenes of how I used them to succeed in one of the biggest pressure moments of my life, at the 2017 World Championships. Whether you’re competing at the highest level or just want to handle pressure be...

Emma Pallant-Browne is a two-time Ironman World medalist, three-time Duathlon World Champion and Aquathlon World Champion. She has won more Ironman 70.3 than most can count, and simply a true force in the world of triathlon. Emma shares how she transitioned from track running to triathlon, the mental strategies that keep her performing at her best, and why focusing on joy and being present has bee...

In this episode, we’re diving into 5 simple tips that can help you improve faster without adding more hours to your training. These strategies are all about working smarter, not harder, so you can see results sooner. Curious about how to bring more focus, quality, and purpose to your training? Tune in to learn actionable steps you can start using today. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skill...

In this episode, I’m exploring the science behind preventing injuries and how you can take control of your training and mindset to stay injury-free. Injuries can derail your progress, but with the right strategies, you can protect your body, boost your resilience, and keep performing at your best. Tune in to learn how to train smarter, reduce your risk of injury, and take your performance to the n...

In this episode, I’m sharing 4 science-backed ways to stay motivated and mentally strong when dealing with an injury. Injuries can be tough, but with the right mindset and strategies, they don’t have to hold you back. Curious about how to turn setbacks into opportunities for growth? Tune in to learn practical tools that will help you stay focused, bounce back stronger, and keep moving forward. And...

In this episode, I'm uncovering the six most common goal setting mistakes that might be holding you back and how you can avoid making those mistakes. Curious about how to set goals that truly drive success? Tune in to set yourself up for a winning year in 2025. Plus, I'll share with you my go-to tool for effective goal setting, Griply. Whether you're an athlete or just looking to make 2025 your be...

Sam Kendricks is a pole vaulting legend, a two-time World Champion, and an Olympic bronze and silver medalist. He holds the American record of 6.06 meters, placing him 5th on the all-time list. In this episode, Sam shares his journey from a scrawny, non-athletic kid to a World Champion, revealing how his father shaped his mentality and the joy of making it back to claim Olympic silver in 2024. Tun...

Emma Tall is a Swedish top CrossFit athlete, celebrated for her standout performances at the CrossFit Games, including an impressive 11th place finish in 2023. She also made her mark at the Rogue Invitational, finishing 6th last November. In this episode, Emma shares her journey to becoming a top competitor, her mental training strategies, and her experiences during the 2023 and 2024 Games. She op...

Sara Björk Gunnarsdóttir is an Icelandic football legend who has made waves playing for top clubs like Wolfsburg, Lyon and Juventus. She is now playing for Al-Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia. Sara is the only woman to be named Iceland's athlete of the year twice, won the Champion's League with Lyon, captained the national team for eight years, and represented Iceland at the Euros four times. In this episo...

Grant Benzel is the creative mind behind memes4throwers , an Instagram page that humorously captures the throwers' culture. As a former athlete turned coach, Grant emphasises the importance of an individualised approach, sharing valuable insights and advice for coaches on adapting to each athlete's unique needs. In this episode, Grant shares his journey from athlete to coach, his insights on menta...

In this episode, I'm sharing with you the 6 biggest lessons I learned on my journey to three Olympic Games. Want to know what competing at the highest level for 20 years taught me? Tune in to discover the lessons that shaped my career and how they can help you succeed. These insights are here to guide and inspire your own athletic journey. And if you're eager to learn more, join my Free Masterclas...

In this episode, we're diving into the juicy topic of building unshakable confidence. Discover why confidence matters, what affects it, and how you can actively build it to enhance your performance and well-being. Curious about how to transform your confidence levels? Tune in for actionable tips and insights that will help you elevate your game and thrive under pressure. And if you're ready to unl...

In this episode, we're tackling the art of handling mistakes and turning them into growth. I shared my four step process of how you can deal with making mistakes and bouncing back stronger by turning them into success. Curious about how to transform your approach to mistakes? Tune in for practical tips and a fresh perspective that will help you elevate your performance. And if you want to meet wit...

In this episode, I explore what it truly takes to perform consistently at your best. I shared insights into the journey towards mastering confidence and focus, essential for thriving under pressure. If you want to dive deeper into this, register for my free Masterclass on November 10th for an in-depth look at my approach and get actionable tips you can start using right away. >> Register For...