310. A New Era: 12x Olympic Medalist Natalie Coughlin On Life Beyond The Pool & The Power Of Positivity

Hurdlers! Welcome to Season 18! I’m back from Paris and stoked to bring you so many unbelievable conversations I had while at Athleta’s Power of She Creator Hub. We are kicking off the new season with Natalie Coughlin, 12-time Olympic medalist and the first female swimmer to bring home six medals in a single olympiad.

We cover so much in this conversation — of course hitting on all of Natalie's experiences at The Games; also how she first found the pool, her unwavering positive perspective amidst struggle, and how she navigated the transition from full-time athlete to her next chapter — which includes owning a winery. 

IN THIS EPISODE

How it feels to be back at the Olympics as a spectator (and her first time at opening ceremonies!) (4:30)

Natalie’s first memories of getting in the pool (5:40)

Goal Setting and how Natalie was able to map out her road to the Olympics at the age of 13  (10:43) 

The injury that derailed Natalie’s first Olympic dreams and how that hurdle was ‘the best thing that happened to her’ (16:45)

Actionable advice for getting into a positive mindset when going through the thick of it (21:20)

How Natalie handled the pressure that came with striving for an Olympic dream and medal (30:40)

A reflection on Natalie’s historic Beijing Olympics and record 6 medals (39:04)

Natalie’s current projects and passions (48:50)