101. Learning to be in the Moment with 5 time World Medalist Diver Katrina Young
Welcome to the latest exciting episode of the Pursuit of Gold podcast, where Laura is joined by the remarkable Katrina Young, a two-time Olympian and five-time world medalist in diving for an inspiring journey through Katrina's life and career. Starting with her outstanding achievements in both gymnastics and diving during her formative years, Katrina's story reflects her steadfast ambition throughout as, despite the fact that her college dreams in sports didn't come to fruition, she persevered, ultimately propelling herself towards Olympic greatness. As she now prepares for the 2024 World Aquatic Championships in Doha and aims for her third Olympic appearance in Paris, Katrina's path is filled with highs, lows, and a focus on authentic competition.
Laura and Katrina embark upon this remarkable voyage of ambition, self-discovery, and the relentless pursuit of Olympic gold by delving into Katrina's gymnastics-to-diving transition, her familial inspiration from her Olympian grandmother, her transformative mindset shift, and her candid discussion on handling performance anxiety. This inspiring conversation provides invaluable insights into the trials of Olympic competition, the post-Olympic challenges athletes face, the pursuit of a music career alongside diving, life-altering decisions, and the significance of trust and authenticity in the competitive arena. Katrina Young's captivating journey, balancing both diving and music careers, reminds us that the pursuit of passion and authenticity is the true path to greatness. Don't miss out on this engaging episode, as it resonates with ambition, offers inspiration, and underscores the relentless pursuit of one's dreams.
Episode Highlights:
Katrina's dual background in gymnastics and diving
The profound influence of her grandmother, an Olympian in track and field, on Katrina's ambition and determination
The challenges Katrina faced during her college years and the pivotal shift in her mindset
The significant transition to coach John Proctor and the crucial moments leading up to the 2016 Olympics
The importance of authenticity and staying true to oneself in the competitive world
Dealing with the pressures of nerves and performance anxiety as a competitive athlete
Katrina's ongoing journey of self-discovery and personal growth in pursuit of Olympic success
Exploring post-Olympic challenges, including the phenomenon of "post-Olympic blues," and how music played a healing role
Quote:
"When you're going after your dreams, you don't feel like you have a choice."
"No matter what great things our coach says or our friends say, it's our voice in our head 24/7."
"It felt a little bit scary to have that much time to think about the possibilities."
"I felt like I had to change who I was to become an Olympian, and that's not the truth."
"For me, it's more of a performance than anything."
"It's a very ironic mix of emotions for me. Every time going into it, I'm like, “I'm going to throw up.””
"Fear is totally normal. It's a totally human thing. But that is also the only time that you can be courageous."
Links:
Laura’s Social Media:
Connect with Katrina:
100. Golden Reflections on 100 Episodes of Wisdom, Growth and Pursuit
Welcome to a monumental 100th episode of the Pursuit of Gold podcast! In this milestone episode, Laura shares her story, her vision, and the invaluable lessons she has gathered from hosting the podcast.
From the momentous start of this podcast in the challenging year of 2020, Laura's mission has been clear: to bring together the tools, knowledge, and inspiration that athletes need to achieve their greatest goals, both in sports and in life. Through insightful conversations with athletes, coaches, and experts from various disciplines, Laura unveils the mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects that fuel champions' journeys. As Laura reflects on her own experiences, you'll discover the wisdom gained from overcoming setbacks, finding new pathways, and redefining one’s identity beyond sports. Her pursuit of gold goes far beyond the physical medals to the pursuit of self-discovery, fulfillment, and resilience.
As you will hear, this 100th episode truly encapsulates the very heart and soul of the Pursuit of Gold podcast, reminding athletes that it's not just about the destination but the incredible journey that transforms them into champions, both on and off the field. Thank you for joining Laura Wilkinson on this epic journey, and here's to the next 100 episodes!
Episode Highlights:
The birth of the Pursuit of Gold podcast
Learning from others
Finding fulfillment in sports and life
The mental game
The pursuit of purpose
Embracing change and growth
Quotes:
"Because as I often say to people, I went to three Olympic games but I only brought home one medal, but it didn't make the other two Olympics failures or regrets or I wish I hadn't gone after it."
"Finding fulfillment in your sport carries a lot of weight outside of your sport, too, outside of the pool or the track or the gym or whatever it is. To find that fulfillment in your sport also helps you feel fulfilled outside of your sport."
"You don't stand up on the podium and become a champion. You have to become a champion in the dark when nobody is watching in those days, weeks, months, years leading up to that moment that you get to stand on top of the podium."
"Gold is a great goal. It is something admirable to work for and to try and achieve. But it's the pursuit that makes you who you are, that makes you incredible."
"You don't get to the top of the podium and suddenly everything changes. You have to change in order to stand on top of that podium. You have to change in the pursuit. It's the pursuit of gold that makes you a champion."
“I want you to grow into the athlete and the person that you want to be. I am your biggest fan.”
“By listening and sharing this show with your friends, you make it possible to continue on and impact so many people. So a huge, heartfelt thank you for listening and for being here and being a ‘Pursuit Peep.’”
Links:
Laura’s Social Media:
95. Courage is a Learned Skill with High Diver David Colturi
Laura joins forces with professional cliff diver, coach, and performance expert, David Colturi for this week’s installment of the Pursuit of Gold podcast. One of the standout cliff divers over the last decade, David has accumulated 14 podiums in 52 starts, including becoming the youngest ever winner of a World Series event at the age of 24. After returning from the enforced World Series break, he was narrowly edged out of the permanent places in 2021 and will return to the 27m platform as a wildcard this year. David also currently serves as a coach, runs high performance workshops, and is a gifted public speaker.
Together with Laura, David embarks on an exhilarating journey that delves deeply into various riveting topics, such as his awe-inspiring transformation from a budding diver to an experienced professional, the pivotal role of balance in the pursuit of one's dreams, and the fearless approach required to confront and conquer personal fears head-on. From his early days as an athlete determined to conquer the heights of high dives to the heart-pounding moments during his debut at the Red Bull Cliff Diving event in Corsica, this episode is a treasure trove of adrenaline-pumping narratives and invaluable life lessons. Our dynamic duo also go on to share intimate anecdotes and profound insights into the psychological and emotional battles they've waged during their illustrious careers. From grappling with fear and self-doubt to contending with the physical toll exacted by high-speed impacts, they shine a light on the indomitable spirit and tenacity that define success in extreme sports. Their conversation here today transcends the realm of diving and touches upon the profound importance of setting well-defined objectives, aligning actions with one's authentic values, and embarking on a purpose-driven journey throughout our lives. Whether you're a thrill-seeker or an individual seeking inspiration to confront your personal trials, this episode guarantees to leave you profoundly moved and ardently motivated.
If you’ve been wanting to make some crucial mindset shifts like David, in order to perform better, love your sport again or grow your confidence, start getting excited for my awesome Black Friday bundles that are here now but only for a limited time! Every single amazing bundle also comes with a FREE ticket into a new workshop I’ll be hosting in January called Turning Obstacles into Opportunities. Make sure you don’t miss this window of opportunity- go check out these special bundles at LauraWilkinson.com/blackfriday!
Episode Highlights:
David’s remarkable journey
Dedication and sacrifices
How college athletes grapple with the decision of pursuing their sport professionally or exploring alternative career paths
David's unexpected leap into professional cliff diving
Red Bull Cliff Diving events
David's inaugural experience in Corsica
Unforeseen setbacks and the power of resilience and a positive attitude
Overcoming fear and early challenges in high diving
The journey toward control and focus
The role of peer pressure and accountability in overcoming platform hesitation and building confidence
Quotes:
"Courage is a learned skill just like anything else."
"These tough days, these are the ones that define you. This is the good stuff."
"You're just competing against yourself... all you've got to do is be better than you were yesterday."
"You’ve just got to sometimes do what you’ve got to do. And it can be a scary road, but I think you learn a lot of lessons in that, too."
"So it's kind of just learning to take those skills we learn in our sport and applying it into our life."
Links:
Laura’s Social Media:
Connect with David:
94. How to Let Go of Expectations with Olympic Gold Medalist Laura Wilkinson
Laura goes solo today to speak directly with listeners regarding the intricate issue of expectations that can plague athletes across all levels. Her wealth of experience shines through as she adeptly guides us all through the nuanced landscape of expectation management, providing not only invaluable insights but also practical strategies to shift focus from the burdensome weight of unrealistic pressures to the exhilarating pursuit of goals and personal growth. Laura also delves into the emotional ramifications of expectations, shedding light on how their emotional nature can lead to disappointment, potentially eroding athletes' self-esteem and confidence.
A key theme highlighted in this episode is the essential distinction between goals and expectations, with Laura emphasizing that goals should be concrete, measurable, and underpinned by a well-defined plan, while expectations often manifest as vague desires devoid of concrete strategies. By encouraging athletes to view their goals as destinations and expectations as the vehicles of their journey, Laura inspires a profound mindset shift that enables athletes to sidestep undue pressure and instead immerse themselves in the rewarding process of athletic excellence. A truly essential listen, today’s episode is a beacon of guidance in particular for athletes seeking to master the art of expectation management and cultivate a goal-oriented mentality along their path to athletic success.
More outstanding guidance will also be available through Laura's upcoming Black Friday Sale, where she will unveil a trove of valuable resources designed to reshape mindsets and elevate athletic performance. Join the Black Friday Waitlist here to ensure you're among the first to access these transformative offerings.
Episode Highlights:
Understanding the critical difference between goals and expectations
Navigating the emotional challenges and potential pitfalls of expectations
Expectations as motivators
The power of goal-centric focus
Leveraging expectations for daily training and character growth
Laura's upcoming Black Friday Sale
Quotes:
"So many of us are carrying the weight of either our own expectations or the expectations of others, whether it be a coach, a parent, teammates, the media, whoever."
"Expectations are desires, but they don't have any precise shape or boundaries.”
"I really despise the term ‘realistic goals’ because when people say ‘realistic’, they're trying to say, “Set a goal you can already do,” and that's not a goal."
"Goals are stable, yet they're pliable enough to adapt to changing circumstances."
"Your goal is where you are aiming. That is your final destination."
“The secret to not confuse expectations with goals is to let your expectations direct the quality and effort of your training, not your end result.”
"Let's be goal-oriented and goal-focused and really just expect that we are going to train with quality, that we are going to train with integrity, every single day."
Links:
Laura’s Social Media:
90. Honor Your Goals with 2x World Champion Water Polo Player Jaime Komer
Welcome to yet another elite episode of the Pursuit of Gold podcast, as Laura takes the plunge into the remarkable journey of Jaime Komer, two-time World Champion and Olympic Silver Medalist in water polo. Drawing from this storied Olympic career and her own personal journey of self-discovery, Jaime has gone on to guide Olympians, Paralympians, professional athletes, women's groups, business executives, parents and entrepreneurs alike through challenging transitions they’ve encountered, all with compassion and an open mindset. The Founder of Consciously Connected, a personal growth consultancy, our multifaceted guest has also created a new and unique practice for self-exploration and personal growth known as The Kampfire, and, as if that’s not enough, serves as the host of the Consciously Connected Podcast. This girl gets things done!
As you will hear, Jaime's narrative is nothing short of inspiring, encompassing a journey of transcending boundaries in Central California by initially joining a boys' water polo team to eventually achieving global acclaim. What truly distinguishes Jaime, though, is her transition from the pinnacle of sports to becoming a facilitator, guiding individuals and groups to embrace authenticity and prioritize emotional well-being. Today’s conversation unravels the spectrum of Jaime's insights, including the importance of setting ambitious goals and unleashing the power of creative imagery and visualization techniques. Uncovering the peaks and valleys of Jaime's athletic odyssey - from the heights of Olympic Silver glory to the emotional turbulence of facing rejection - her narrative embodies the indomitable spirit required to chase dreams while imparting invaluable wisdom for all. Join Laura and Jaime here today for this testament to resilience and determination, and immerse yourself in the wealth of knowledge, advice, inspiration and motivation to be found in this riveting installment of the Pursuit of Gold podcast.
Episode Highlights:
Jaime's remarkable journey
Goal setting and perseverance
Authenticity and emotional well-being
Visualization techniques
Navigating life transitions
Olympic dreams and training
The Olympic experience
Navigating career transitions
Quotes:
"It's really hard because you're like this tight-knit family, and at the same time, there's a very competitive energy in it because you don't know who or what's going to happen."
"It felt like such an honor. It felt like such a proud moment in my life, and for our team to be there. And then at an individual level, I'm kind of working with my own emotions, my own mental health."
"It is a funny experience because you are feeling so many things, and it's so exciting at the same time."
"We went in going big. And I think that's why it was so hard, actually when we did get silver.”
"Through coaching, by asking people questions and helping them find their own answers, you're way more motivated to do stuff."
"There's so much that can happen when we do share it, even if it's maybe not the most comfortable thing to start."
Links:
The Confidence Journal- FREE SHIPPING with checkout code: STARTNOW
Laura’s Social Media:
Connect with Jaime:
44. How to start taking action on your biggest goals with our host Laura Wilkinson
The inspiration for today’s episode can be found in a team meeting that Laura’s coaches called recently. The meeting was all about goals, and included an exercise where each member shared their own goals with the others. Even with her years of experience, Laura still found this a little uncomfortable and even a bit intimidating, but also incredibly powerful and beneficial for herself and her teammates, and definitely important enough to share with listeners today.
She starts this solo episode by highlighting the need to set big goals, and the value of writing down and sharing them. She recounts the role that healthy competitiveness plays in making teammates better, emphasizes the importance of being specific about goals, creating a plan involving both short and long term goals, and explaining the difference between goals and expectations. She finishes up by looking at the importance of having and knowing your ‘why’ and by reviewing today’s main takeaways for listeners. Blessed with wisdom gained through experience and reflection, Laura expands upon a key coaching strategy for elite athletes and eloquently translates it for athletes and non-athletes alike in this relatively brief but hugely impactful episode.
Episode Highlights:
· Setting a goal out of your reach
· Writing down and sharing your goals
· Employing healthy competitiveness to get better
· Being specific with goals and creating a plan to get there
· Setting short and long term goals
· The difference between goals and expectations
· Avoiding the ‘expectation trap’
· The importance of your ‘why’
· Takeaways from today
Quotes:
“If you’re setting a goal that you know you can already achieve, it’s not a goal.”
“If you share it with someone, you are 77% more likely to accomplish it.”
“It’s now real because somebody else knows about it, and they can hold you accountable in a number of different ways.”
“The better your teammate’s getting, that’s just going to push you to get better.”
“It’s important to recognize that expectations tend to have very emotional roots and responses.”
“At some point you’re not going to be able to keep up with that growing expectation because it’s not a tangible result.”
“When you have purpose, you can become capable of so much more than you ever thought possible.”
“You’ve got to start acting like you are the person who is going to achieve that goal.”
“I grew as a person. I grew as an athlete.”
“You are capable of doing great things.”
Links:
5 Smart Strategies to Confidence
Laura’s Social Media:
33. How to keep moving forward in uncertain times with our host Laura Wilkinson
Today’s episode is a little different as Laura doesn’t interview a guest, but instead addresses head-on an issue that is impacting athletes throughout the world. There is a sense of weariness and exhaustion that Laura is observing in many athletes as they deal with postponements, cancellations, and what feels like an eternal holding pattern in their lives as this pandemic drags on. With her vast amount of experience, Laura possesses a great deal of wisdom and she shares it here today to help you navigate these ever changing circumstances and continue moving forward to achieve the goals you have set for yourself.
She starts by sharing her own recent history and current situation, reviewing the pandemic’s impact upon herself and other athletes, and explaining what it means to train with a moving target as well as how to accomplish it. Laura also stresses the importance of staying in the moment, looking at this unusual time as one of life’s precious opportunities, and offers a stirring analysis of the greatest gift you can give yourself. Laura sugarcoats nothing in today’s episode, demonstrating that life is filled with difficult patches to navigate, that it is up to us to decide who we want to be as we face these difficulties, and also passionately reinforcing the fact that we do, indeed, have the potential to not only get through all this but to thrive in the process.
Episode Highlights:
· Laura’s recent history and current situation
· The pandemic’s impact on athletes
· Training with a moving target
· Staying in the moment
· This precious opportunity
· ‘Cool Runnings’
· The greatest gift you can give yourself
· Who do you want to be?
Quotes:
“I actually have a nice titanium plate and 6 screws in my neck now.”
“It was devastating to so many athletes on different levels.”
“Now there’s pretty much nothing on our schedule until the Olympic trials in June.”
“Even though the target may be shifting and moving around, you’re aiming for that bullseye, and that has not changed.”
“We are going to have to adapt.”
“You are capable of getting through this and thriving.”
“You could handle anything as long as you stayed in the moment and gave it everything that you had.”
“They get back up and try again.”
“Instant gratification is actually not normal.”
“If it’s important to you, it is worth fighting for in that long term.”
“We need to remember that there’s so much more that goes on than just what we’re seeing in that little clip.”
“A gold medal is a wonderful thing, but if you’re not enough without one, you’ll never be enough with one.”
“Those moments magnify your character for better or for worse.”
“I have not only won all those things, I have failed miserably at all of those events as well.”
“I choose to be a champion both in character and in integrity.”
“If I may lose, let me stand by the road and cheer as the winners go by.”
“What can you do right now in this moment to the very best of your ability to help you continue working toward that goal?”
“It will give you peace.”
Links:
5 Smart Strategies to Confidence: https://www.laurawilkinson.com/learn
Laura’s Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lala_the_diver
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLauraWilkinson
References:
32. The Secret to Dominance with World Champion High Diver Gary Hunt
Today you will be treated to an ‘extreme’ episode as World Champion High Diver, Gary Hunt, joins Laura for an absolutely fascinating conversation. A legend in the high diving world, Gary is actually a 2-time World Champion and an 8-time winner of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series. Before he took on the daredevil world of high diving, Gary competed in 10-meter platform diving, and, in fact, took home a Bronze in the 10-meter Synchro at the 2006 Commonwealth Games. If you have ever wondered what it takes to have the courage and skill to dive off of cliffs and castles, and even out of helicopters, and still continue to set even loftier goals for yourself, you’ve come to the right place.
In this conversation, Gary tells his story all the way from first getting into diving all the way to what he is doing now and what his lofty and inspiring new goal is. In the process, he shares his favorite places to dive, his craziest and most memorable dives, the dangers he and his colleagues face, and the mental preparation that allows him to do what he does so well so consistently. Finding coaching in a relatively new sport, maintaining focus, his exciting new goal, and the impact that COVID has had upon him, his sport and his training are all discussed as well. Gary’s calm, thoughtful and humble nature shines through in this episode as he shares his vast amount of experience and insight into a sport which would seem unthinkably perilous to so many of us. Combine all of these qualities with his penchant for setting new goals and pursuing passion projects, and you will undoubtedly agree with Laura’s assessment of Gary Hunt as truly ‘an inspiration’, certainly one well worth listening to here today.
Episode Highlights:
· How Gary found his way to diving
· Transitioning from platform to high diving
· His favorite places to dive
· Gary’s craziest high diving story
· The potential dangers in high diving
· The process involved in introducing a new dive
· The worst lead up he has to do
· Gary’s mental preparation
· The Red Bull World Series
· How he’s navigated coaching
· His favorite moment in diving
· His perfect score dive
· Preparing for dives
· Using juggling to remain focused
· Gary’s new goal
· How COVID has impacted him
Quotes:
“I started noticing the divers in the other side of the pool looking like they were having much more fun than I was.”
“It was like a new door was being opened before me with so many possibilities.”
“Sometimes when it’s really windy, you just want it to be over.”
“The training is often much more scary than the actual competitions.”
“I couldn’t remember anything about after the dive.”
“You have to expect that it’s not always going to go your way.”
“There are horror stories of people being swept away.”
“We feel like we’re in safe hands.”
“In the times where it hasn’t gone well, I think I’ve learned from it.”
“I was the first of a wave of new high divers that were really going to push the boat out.”
“I entered the sport at the right time.”
“I think diving from a helicopter is one of my highlights.”
“Usually, I will do one of each dive before the competition when we get to a new location.”
“This dream of competing on 10-meter again just started to get more and more interesting.”
“I prefer looking ahead and just focusing on my training.”
“As long as your head’s into it and you’re focused, you can do it.”
“You are an inspiration…giving yourself new passion projects…new goals.”
Links:
5 Smart Strategies to Confidence: https://www.laurawilkinson.com/learn
Laura’s Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lala_the_diver
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLauraWilkinson
Learn more about Gary: