107. My Untold Journey Through Trials with Pursuit of Gold Host Laura Wilkinson
In this special episode, listeners are invited to explore Laura's journey to Olympic triumph, shaped by resilience and determination. Approaching the 24th anniversary of a pivotal moment in her life, personal audio clips, as shared here today, recount significant moments along her journey that profoundly impacted her path. Laura’s tale of being a young diver filled with Olympic dreams and facing momentous decisions at times of relative uncertainty inspires many of the episode's themes such as overcoming adversity, embracing gratitude, and finding strength in challenges.
Using this momentous event as a springboard, the episode delves into resilience amidst adversity, from life-altering decisions to recovering from injuries. Through this intimate account, listeners gain insights into how resilience shapes Laura's responses to life's trials, and how gratitude emerges as transformative amidst setbacks, shifting her focus towards opportunities and fostering a positive mindset. As you will hear, community support proves vital in overcoming obstacles, brilliantly highlighting the importance of unity, and each setback becomes a chance for growth, paving the way towards Olympic success. As the world looks ahead to the upcoming Paris Olympics, Laura’s very personal reflection here today offers timely, hard-earned lessons and insights from her own stellar career that will prove invaluable to all those engaged in their own Pursuit of Gold.
Episode Highlights:
Facing career-altering decisions and overcoming devastating injuries
Embracing gratitude amid setbacks
Transforming obstacles into opportunities, fostering resilience, and maintaining a positive mindset
The pivotal role of coaches, teammates, and loved ones
How each setback serves as a chance for growth and self-discovery
Persevering through setbacks and challenges
Reflecting on past challenges
The anticipation building for the forthcoming Olympics in Paris
Conquering uncertainty and fully committing to Olympic dreams
How moments of reflection and gratitude provide solace and fortify determination in the face of adversity
Quotes:
"Every cloud really does have a silver lining. If you open your eyes, you'll find it."
"Recognize that although you may not be happy with the competition, there is more to life than that competition."
"Sometimes we will win that amazing gold medal and sometimes we'll miss it. But amazing things still happen because I didn't give up."
"Every obstacle that we face, there is an opportunity inside of it, but we have to be willing to find it."
"Find things to be grateful for. In the middle of the tough, in the middle of the painful, in the middle of the hard, there is something to be thankful for. Fill your mind with that and focus on those things."
Links:
Laura’s Social Media:
91. Think Big, Act Small with 2x Olympic Medalist Skier Shannon Bahrke
Two-time Olympic medalist and three-time Olympian in skiing, Shannon Bahrke, joins Laura for this week’s fascinating episode of The Pursuit of Gold podcast. In addition to her Silver and Bronze Olympic medals, Shannon’s achievements over her astonishing 12-year career include being a member of the U.S. “A’ Team, earning 7 World Cup victories and 6 U.S. National titles, and winning the Overall World Cup title in 2003 , despite enduring multiple major injuries. Since retiring from her sport, she has gone on to create the Team Empower Hour made up of Olympians who empower corporate leaders and teams around the globe through leadership development, team building, keynote speeches, and fitness workout classes.
Today, Shannon shares details of her extraordinary journey, and, together with Laura, explores such themes such as purpose, resilience, and the power of mental training in sports. The episode delves into Shannon's early introduction to aerial skiing, her childhood in Lake Tahoe, and her love for adventure sports. It highlights her transition to mogul skiing and the pivotal role of community and freedom in her skiing passion. Shannon's journey from the University of Utah to competing at the World Cup level sheds light on the challenges she faced, and her accounts of using journaling and visualization in training and competitions underscore the roller coaster of success that defined her Olympic path. Shannon's story, as told here today, serves as a testament to the importance of mental and emotional resilience, seizing opportunities, and embracing unity and patriotism on a global scale. You owe it to yourself to join in on this remarkable journey, as Shannon's inspiring tale exemplifies the indomitable spirit of athletes who choose resilience and triumph, leaving an enduring legacy in the world of sports and beyond.
Episode Highlights:
Shannon's journey and her resilience and determination to overcome setbacks
Her development of mental toughness, a vital quality for elite athletes
The pivotal role of positive self-talk
The power of visualization
Falling in love with mogul skiing
The importance of seizing opportunities even when faced with adversity
Shannon's ability to bounce back from injuries and setbacks
Choosing resilience and turning failures into stepping stones toward success
Quotes:
"It was hard, it was difficult, it had so many challenges, but it had all of these super crazy and wild people just like me, so it seemed like a perfect fit."
"I'm a natural problem solver, and I like when people tell you can't do it."
"That was the moment that I first started to use visualization, closing my eyes and experiencing and seeing what it is that I wanted."
"We can be the best at our sport, but the difference is in your mental and emotional resilience."
"I could be the person that could change the world as a female to do these things."
"When you have a purpose that's greater than yourself, that gives you the ability to do things you wouldn't normally be able to do."
"Our destiny isn't given to us; we have the choice to make it."
"This is the resilience that I need right now to dig deep and be my best self and show the world what I am truly made of."
Links:
The Confidence Journal- FREE SHIPPING with checkout code: STARTNOW
Laura’s Social Media:
Connect with Shannon:
84. Keep Moving Forward with Para Rower Andrew Mangan
Laura’s truly remarkable guest this week is Andrew Mangan, an exceptional rower whose journey through adversity is nothing short of inspirational. Born into an athletic family, Andrew's passion for rowing bloomed alongside his siblings' quests for sporting excellence. However, when he was just 17 years old, a profound spinal cord injury left him paralyzed from the chest down, altering his trajectory. Through candid narration here today, Andrew walks listeners through the pivotal moments of that transformative night, his arduous route to recovery, the emotional difficulties he has faced, and his quest to qualify for the 2024 Paralympics.
As you will hear, with resolute determination, he has seized each incremental victory, masterfully turning challenges into opportunities while pursuing his dreams. Along the way, he has also taken the time to create a spinal cord outreach platform, and author a book about brain computer interfaces - a topic of crucial importance to him. Andrew’s odyssey of surmounting daunting challenges to achieve his goals resonates as a testament to indomitable resilience and unwavering determination. His journey from grappling with a life-altering spinal cord injury to scaling the precipice of Paralympic aspirations paints a vivid picture of the human spirit's triumph over adversity. Listen in to this fascinating conversation today and witness how the ripples of life's trials are navigated with skillful grace, morphing aspirations into gleaming realities, beckoning with the allure of gold. Be sure to tune into this captivating Pursuit of Gold dialogue filled with inspiration and insights that once again transcend the arena of sports, empowering us all to face multifaceted challenges in every aspect of our lives with unshakable resolve.
Episode Highlights:
Andrew Mangan's story of his triumphant path of recovery and personal growth after a life-altering spinal cord injury
Confronting an uncertain recovery journey
Establishing "Connecting the Resilient"
Andrew's pursuit of Paralympic dreams
Imparting universal lessons in mental resilience, adaptability, and transforming adversity into purpose
Andrew’s unwavering determination to transcend challenges and discover purpose
His choice to study abroad and explore personal growth in Berlin
Andrew's journey to Paralympic qualification
Quotes:
"You have to have hope, and then you also have to have action that follows that hope."
"It's beneficial to control the things you can control."
"If you put in the work now, especially the closer I am to my injury, the more likely I'll maximize the amount of recovery that I can get."
"Our attitude is something that we always have control over."
"If you give a little bit past what you think you can every day, then that will show itself in a couple of months' time."
"For me, when I had this injury, I just kept going forward, I guess is the biggest message, and doing it with a positive attitude."
"Being able to row is one thing and get on the water and train, but being able to actually compete again and compete against someone is a whole 'nother ballgame."
"It's not the adversity itself, but rather how you respond to it that defines you."
Links:
Grab the Top 10 Mental Skills Guide!
Laura’s Social Media:
Connect with Andrew:
78. Faithful, available and teachable with Harlem Globetrotter Melvin Adams
Prepare yourself to step into a world of inspiration and resilience in this captivating episode of the Pursuit of Gold as Laura welcomes former professional basketball player, esteemed member of the Harlem Globetrotters, and true force of determination and triumph, Melvin Adams to the podcast. You are about to be treated to a heroic tale that defies the odds, as Melvin's journey unfolds from a humble upbringing in poverty to the heights of athletic achievement. Today, he and Laura delve into the details of that journey and uncover themes of conquering adversity, unearthing purpose beyond the realm of sports, and igniting a beacon of hope to illuminate the lives of others.
You will undoubtedly be captivated as Melvin shares his extraordinary narrative of rejecting limitations as, against the backdrop of discouraging whispers doubting his potential due to his height, Melvin chose to defy the odds and carve his own path to success. Rising as a two-time NCAA All American Basketball player, he surpassed others’ expectations and emerged as a prominent figure in the basketball world. Yet, his journey did not end there. Melvin discovered an unwavering passion for public speaking, harnessing his experiences to inspire and empower the younger generation. Join Laura and Melvin here today as they explore resilience, purpose, leadership, and the transformative power of sports, inspiring us all to reach our full potential and make a lasting impact on the world around us.
Episode Highlights:
Melvin's challenging upbringing and his use of basketball as an escape
The power of resilience, determination, and overcoming obstacles in Melvin's journey.
Melvin's transition to public speaking
His inspiring message of hope
Discovering identity and purpose beyond sports
Lessons learned about leadership and teamwork
Mentoring and passing the torch
Leading by example, finding personal identity, building relationships, and motivating others
Quotes:
"It does not matter where you start, but how you finish."
"Being a leader is not just being the best athlete. It's about character and setting an example."
"Basketball is just what you do, it's not who you are. And I think for so many athletes, we get caught up in our identity or our value even lies in the results at the end."
"You can speak to people till you're blue in the face, but when they see what you do, that speaks so much louder."
"If you have a gift and you're being pushed up, use your gift to bring other people up and make the world a better place."
"If you say you're going to commit to something, commit to it with your heart, your soul, your body, and your mind."
"The Globetrotters taught me that there was more to the game than just winning and losing."
"Don't just think it's going to be forever a winter blizzard. Even in your winter, you can make snowmen."
"It's not your circumstance, it's what you do with that and how you approach it and your attitude toward it."
Links:
Laura’s Social Media:
Connect with Melvin:
77. How To Be a Gold Medal Mom with Linda Wilkinson
In this latest episode of The Pursuit of Gold podcast, Laura welcomes her most special guest ever - her mom Linda Wilkinson. With Mother's Day approaching, Laura wanted to explore the topic of parents' roles in their children's athletic lives, and, given that Linda raised a successful athlete in guiding Laura on her journey, she definitely has plenty of wisdom and advice for parents raising passionate young athletes. Among the many topics discussed are Linda’s reasons for not wanting Laura to join a large gym, her encouragement of Laura's dreams, and the importance of structure and fun while pursuing one's passion.
She and Laura also cover a number of themes such as handling difficult situations, rising above negativity, and the importance of being an example for others. They provide personal anecdotes and insights into their own experiences of dealing with negative comments and unfair judgments in sports, and emphasize that the value of an athlete is not determined by their place on the podium. The importance of perseverance, family support, and the power of prayer are also highlighted, and the role of parents in supporting their children's passions, but allowing them to navigate their own journeys is also examined. Filled with sage advice drawn from first hand experience, today’s episode offers a unique perspective on the hard work, dedication, and support necessary for achieving one's dreams, rendering it an invaluable resource for parents seeking to raise successful and well-adjusted young athletes.
Episode Highlights:
The important role parents play in their children's athletic lives
Supporting and encouraging children's passions and dreams
Valuing perseverance, concentration, and skill set
Choosing the right gym for your child's needs
Striving for a good home life, structure, and fun
Letting children make their own decisions and navigate their own journeys in sports
Importance of trying new things to find the sport that "lights you up"
Dealing with challenges and negativity, and rising above it
Quotes:
"Life doesn't come with a manual. It comes with a mom."
"I wasn't in it for all the competitions, just for you to learn some skills and to have fun and to make friends."
"You may not make it to the Olympics, but you would be good at whatever you did."
"Listen to your child's frustration... respect their opinions."
"You let me fall, you let me get back up."
"Part of that is when you get knocked down, if you are fighting to get back up, you're learning real quick how important this thing is to you."
"Just give it a try for a season."
"Your value is not in your place on the podium...your value is because you are you."
"Just be there to support them...let your athlete and coach do their thing."
Links:
Laura’s Social Media:
75. It's Never Too Late with Aunty Skates
In today’s episode, Laura welcomes Oorbee Roy, also known as Aunty Skates, to the podcast to discuss her journey of becoming a skateboarder in her 40’s as well as her enormous social media success. Together, they discuss the mental and emotional challenges of learning a new sport, overcoming self-doubt, and the impact of Oorbee's positive message on her TikTok followers. Oorbee shares information regarding her upcoming free clinic, "It's Never Too Late to Skate with Aunty Skates", this May in Toronto, which is open to anyone who wants to start skateboarding. She and Laura also discuss the toxic Aunty culture prevalent in South Asian communities and how Oorbee created the character of Aunty Skates to offer a safe space for South Asian women to pursue their dreams.
They go on to explore the sense of belonging that skateboarding can provide to adults, and how it allows adults to step outside their comfort zone and experience the liberating feeling of play, without fear of judgment or criticism. The importance of finding connections with children through shared interests, modeling perseverance and kindness, and investing time in activities with them to build strong relationships and promote healthy development are all topics that are discussed as well. Laura and Oorbee both emphasize the value of being invested in their children's interests and activities to create meaningful connections, and being positive role models online to help children deal with negativity. The episode concludes with a reflection on the joys of parenting and the importance of being present in their children's lives.
Episode Highlights:
Oorbee Roy, and the origin of Aunty Skates
Documenting her skateboarding journey on TikTok
Aunty Skates’ message
Inspiring others to pursue their dreams and live their best lives
Finding joy in the journey and not being too hard on yourself
Offering a safe space for South Asian women to pursue their dreams
The toxic Aunty culture is a result of generational trauma that Oorbee wants to break.
Inspiring others to break down barriers in their own lives.
Stepping outside your comfort zone and experiencing the liberating feeling of play.
How skateboarding has allowed her to parent in a unique and fun way.
Creating special connections with children.
The importance of being invested in children's interests and activities
Modeling perseverance and kindness
The joys of parenting
Celebrating the journey, not just the successes
Giving children the confidence they need to navigate online negativity
Dealing with hate on social media
Building resilience
Quotes:
"It's never too late to live your best life."
"It's really about finding joy in the journey."
"You have to be your biggest fan."
"I think it's really important to inspire people to take that first step."
"I want to be a safe space for young South Asian women to come and know that anything is possible."
"I have compassion for that Aunty generation now, but I don't want to repeat that."
"You hit a spot, a sensitive spot, and something a lot of people needed to hear."
"It's a mental health break that we all need."
"I want to provide that opportunity for people because it's such a joyful experience."
"Watching the surprise on their faces when they land the tricks, and then when they get the high from skating and the endorphins start coming in, I'm like, yeah, I love it, I love it, I love it."
"Every time they see me fall, they see me get back up."
"I do a lot of parenting at the skatepark, which is great. It's great multitasking."
"Finding a connection point with your kids...I think is really invaluable."
"I guess we see each other's journey, and that's one thing I find really special about the skating community."
"I think a lot of it is about confidence."
"I'm out there skating in my sari and I feel like a freaking superhero."
"They see how joyful I am, they see how confident I am."
"Social media is great, and it can be a virus. Like, it can be awful."
Links:
Laura’s Social Media:
Oorbee’s Links:
72. Enjoy the Journey with Olympic Diving Coach Kenny Armstrong
On this episode of the Pursuit of Gold, Laura welcomes her diving coach of thirty years, Kenny Armstrong, to the podcast. Not only is he a two time Olympic diver, but he’s also a coach turned father figure who helps aspiring divers get Division One scholarships and even gold medals. The pair dive into Armstrong’s origin story as well as his ‘out of the box’ training style, and why it works. As a young boy, Kenny began his diving career rather uniquely: diving into a pond. A decade and a half later, he would find himself at the 1972 Olympics, diving in front of a large audience for the first time. It wasn’t until the University of Calgary, however, that he got his start coaching.
Since then, his career earned Kenny a legacy defined by consistency, adaptability, culture, and fun. Like Laura says at the onset of the episode, “A good coach can change the game. A great coach can change your life,” and for so many athletes, Kenny has done just that. Today, he talks about why he loves it all so much, what it is about the sport that gets him excited, and why the athletes’ success is far more important than his own. Reminiscing on ‘offbeat’ diving retreats during which he lost half of his squad, his team’s special comradery, moments of victory with Laura, and practicing sports psychology, he notes that the journey always supersedes the destination to him. He and Laura strongly hold the belief that the two minutes of victory on the podium are too fleeting to hold onto; it’s the moments in between that really matter. So listen to this special conversation to hear about the legend that is Kenny Armstrong and his unique and highly successful career.
The Finer Details of this Episode:
Armstrong’s first dives into a pond
The ‘72 Olympic Games
Reckoning with his international status
Getting his coaching start at the University of Calgary
Creating culture
Why consistency wins
Knowing your people and letting them know you
Winning gold together
Why the journey > the destination
The freedom of diving
Father figure and mentor
Quotes:
“A good coach can change the game. A great coach can change your life. I feel like that describes Kenny in a nutshell.”
“These athletes would want us to continue, which was probably true. I mean, if they had a vote… we'd have been probably still going.”
“Well, I finally found out that I could be competitive on an international level. I did pretty well in Nationals and in the Olympic trials. Finally, I think the year of 1980, I beat Greg in his home pool.”
“Everybody says we have to separate politics and sports, but it's impossible. You can't do it.”
“You have to have a culture. Like it's one thing for me to tell somebody how to win a gold medal. It's another thing if they get to train with somebody that is doing that.”
“People seem to say about all the greats from different sports that these coaches knew each one of their athletes so well individually, how to push their buttons, or how to back off– and they had to back off.”
“This whole culmination of your life has to be about more than two minutes standing on the podium.”
“So don't lose the fun in sport. That's what brings kids, and when they get too serious about it, that takes the fun away. So you've got to be obviously serious, or you're not going to make it, but you have to also be very careful with that.”
Links:
Grab the Black Friday Catalog!
Laura’s Social Media:
47. An unstoppable drive with our host Laura Wilkinson on the Jedburgh Podcast
Once again this week, things are a little bit different as today’s episode features Laura being interviewed by former Special Forces Green Beret, Fran Racioppi, on ‘The Jedburgh Podcast’. Touted as ‘a conversation with prominent visionaries, drivers of change, and those dedicated to winning’, this podcast is a natural and timely fit for Laura, as she participates in the Olympic Trials this week and next in her bid to compete in her fourth Olympic Games. Be sure to tune into the Olympic Channel and NBC and join Fran in cheering her on in her attempt, and enjoy this interview here today which outlines precisely just what it takes to reach similar success in your own life.
Laura and Fran begin by looking at what it takes to reach elite levels, and then discuss Laura’s career from her start in high school to present day. Along the way, they explore her perspective on failure and fear, the need to take ownership of your performance, her Sydney Olympics experience, and her Dream Chaser philosophy. They also delve into Laura’s neck surgery and recovery, her preparation for the Tokyo Olympics, and her take on finding balance in life and achieving longevity in sports. The interview concludes with her thoughts on channeling the pressure of the moment, ‘The Pursuit of Gold’, the 3 things she does every day, and the elite performance characteristic that Laura most exemplifies – drive. As Laura heads into the Trials which will determine her immediate Olympic future, today’s sweeping examination of the many components which have brought her to this moment could not be more relevant – listen in and prepare to be inspired.
Episode Highlights:
· What it takes to reach elite levels
· Laura’s high school diving experience and her ‘call to action’
· Her perspective on failure
· Taking ownership of your performance
· Laura’s performance at the Sydney Olympics, the events leading up to it, and the pep talk she gave herself
· Dream Chaser
· Her neck surgery and recovery
· Laura’s thoughts on fear and moving past it
· Preparing to qualify for Tokyo
· Dealing with the ‘uncontrollables’
· Her thought on finding balance in her life
· Achieving longevity in sports
· Channeling the pressure of the moment
· Her ‘Pursuit of Gold’ podcast
· Laura’s next couple months
· The 3 things Laura does every day to be successful
· The elite performance characteristic that Laura most exemplifies
Quotes:
“Faith and determination separate the good from the great.”
“Just because somebody tells you you can't, doesn't mean it's true.”
“Failure is part of success. And the concrete actions that you take from the moment you accept that you failed are what defines you as a leader and as an elite performer.”
“I'm not afraid to look like a fool.”
“When we talk about the development of elite talent, there's a requirement to be humble and show humility.”
“How can I become better? How can I fix that? How can I move forward?”
“It doesn't matter how old you are, doesn't matter what station you have in life, you can really make a difference for somebody just by being there for them.”
“This pressure that you felt became a power.”
“I realized that there were so many people that probably would never have the opportunity that I was in at that moment.”
“The task ahead of you is never greater than the power behind you.”
“I absolutely loved it, because it wasn't about me in that moment...it was about something so much bigger.”
“So it's about the pursuit, it's about the hunt. It's about who you become. And I think that's what I really mean by Dream Chaser.”
“You have to have this done just to be a mom because if you trip down the stairs, if you have a small car accident, like, that could lead to a quadriplegic.”
“A lot of times we're scared of the unknown…fear is a lot of times a liar.”
“To wholly stay in the moment is really the biggest key…and you have to practice that in practice.”
“I think really breaking my foot back then was such a gift because it gave me that opportunity to focus on visualization, to go through so many competition scenarios in my mind with so many different athletes.”
“Adversity makes you stronger.”
“The challenge in front of you sometimes becomes the blessing that you needed.”
“I have learned this last year is that I can just tear my plans up, throw them out the window, because I’ve got to roll with it. And I'm not good at that.”
“I think one of the best things COVID taught me was that I need to have my kids be part of what I'm doing.”
“They saw the sweat, they saw the tears, they saw the frustration, they saw how many times a day I was having to do this stuff and how hard I was working, all just hoping to get back in the pool. So it provided a lot of really good conversations for us.”
“The best people you see doing this are beginners at some point, like, you have to start somewhere.”
“I've had a lot of times where I'm like, you know, God, I'd be okay, if He closed the door, and we're done with this. But He's made it very clear, this is where I need to be, and He's made a way, and then that fire is back, and that fuel is back.”
“I've learned not to be scared of my emotions. I've learned how to use them and how to direct them.”
“And it's not about the pressure, or the expectations, or all these other things, just let that go. And it's just about me enjoying the moment.”
“This is actually my way of finding the resources and giving them to other athletes.”
“Learning those lessons from people and taking that with me, I think makes me not just stronger mentally, but emotionally and spiritually.”
“There's this need for achievement and growth mindset - be better today than you were yesterday, continuous self improvement - that you display that has set you apart from all of your competition.”
“For all the people who maybe think they're too old to do something they love to do, don't let society or culture decide that for you. If you love something, do it.”
Links:
5 Smart Strategies to Confidence
Laura’s Social Media:
The Jedburgh Podcast:
The Jedburgh Podcast on iTunes
The Jedburgh Podcast Instagram
46. 17 scars that paved the way to Tokyo with taekwando Olympian Victoria Stambaugh
Joining Laura on the podcast today is Olympic Taekwondo athlete, Victoria Stambaugh. The daughter of a professional boxer, Victoria took to Taekwondo at an early age, made the US National Team in her teens, eventually joined the Puerto Rico National Team, and has since qualified to compete for Puerto Rico at the upcoming Tokyo Games. Having suffered a number of injuries and resulting surgeries over her career, Victoria has demonstrated remarkable resilience, and, through her faith in Christ, has persevered to achieve her dream of becoming an Olympian. In today’s conversation, she not only shares her inspirational story, but also turns the tables to pick Laura’s brain for some of her sage advice as well.
As with all guests, Victoria begins by sharing how she found her way to her chosen sport, and then she goes on to relate the story of her career to date. Starting with how she made the US National Team, Victoria proceeds to recount her battles with injuries over the years, how they have affected both her career and her emotional state, her transition to the Puerto Rico National Team, and how qualifying for the Olympics works in her sport. She also delves deeply into the role that her faith has played in her life and career, the impact of handing control over to God, her 17 scars and what they mean to her, and her work with Master Bang in preparing for Tokyo. Victoria concludes the episode by questioning Laura on her Olympic experiences and advice, and the role that her faith has played in her life and career. As you will hear, Victoria and Laura are very much kindred spirits whose personal, professional, and spiritual lives resonate considerably with each other, and also offer valuable lessons for all listeners here today.
Episode Highlights:
· Victoria’s sports history and how she got into Taekwondo
· Making the US National Team
· How Taekwondo athletes are selected for the Olympics
· Her knee injuries and surgeries
· How Victoria’s faith has helped her
· Her story of not qualifying for Rio and focusing on Tokyo
· The times when God spoke directly to her heart
· Transitioning from the US to the Puerto Rican Team
· How Olympic qualifying works for Taekwondo and diving
· Her knee injuries and surgeries while preparing for Tokyo
· Handing control over to God
· Qualifying for Tokyo
· Her 17 scars and what they mean to her
· Master Bang
· Victoria and her fiance’s Taekwondo and Parkour studio
· Laura’s best advice for someone competing at their first Olympics
· What’s different for Laura now
· Laura’s thoughts during the finals for her gold
· How Laura’s faith has helped her throughout her career
· Laura’s biggest goal when competing at the Olympics
· Her upcoming trials
· Laura’s thoughts on not being able to have family at the Tokyo Olympics
Quotes:
“When I saw Jackie Chan, Jet Li, I was like, ‘I want to be these guys’.”
“For the Olympics, only two weight categories can qualify, female and male, per country.”
“Deep down inside, I knew that my knee was never the same.”
“I know God put the right person at the right time that I needed to hear those words, ‘not to quit’ and to ‘come back’.”
“That started the process of three knee surgeries within a period of six months.”
“What I picture is kind of like God just wrapping His arms around me and giving me a hug. And at that moment, I was able to continue on and it was actually just the very next day where I was like, ‘Okay, I'm going to go for Tokyo’.”
“He had to take out the rest of the meniscus…in my mind, I was like, ‘You just took my whole career away from me’.”
“And then, sure enough, God always sends the right message, the right person, at the right time.”
“God has seen your tears and, and He's with you. Don't give up, keep going.”
“I was done emotionally, mentally, you know, physically, spiritually. I was just drained. And that's when I just released total control to Christ and let him handle it.”
“Christ was my confidence…and I qualified for the Olympics.”
“A reminder of everything I've been through and everything God has brought me out of. And what better reminder, really? It's basically tattooed on my body.”
“People get so lost in the aura and the bigness and the pressure of the Olympic Games. But, just, you’ve got to be able to let that go.”
“That's for Him to use this for my good and for His glory.”
“You don't have to have the lead if you have the heart to come from behind.”
“I've had a lot of big dreams that I've fallen very short of, but, in that moment, I was living it. And to me that was one of the greatest things that I got to take away.”
“Now I do want to boast about my weaknesses, because that's the chance for the power of Christ to rest upon me, and for the world to see, you know, exactly what He can do.”
“The biggest thing that I need to do is stay in the moment.”
“Maybe I can just really spend that time dependent with God.”
“You've got to kind of expect the unexpected, and just roll with it.”
Links:
5 Smart Strategies to Confidence
Laura’s Social Media:
Connect with Victoria: