Summary
In this episode, Matt C Smith interviews Markus Hoiberg, a three-time Olympian in curling, exploring the intricacies of the sport, its evolution, and the unique experiences of competing at the Olympics. They discuss the importance of teamwork, mental preparation, and the physical demands of curling, as well as the impact of recent scandals on the sport's equipment standards. Markus shares insights from his Olympic journey, offering advice for first-time Olympians and highlighting the dominance of curling nations like Canada.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Curling and the Podcast
01:58 Markus's Journey into Curling
03:10 The Evolution of Curling: From Outdoors to Indoors
05:40 Understanding the Game of Curling
10:20 The Role of Sweeping in Curling
11:55 The Broomgate Scandal and Its Impact
16:40 The Athletic Side of Curling
22:21 Mental Training and Team Dynamics
26:25 Training Regimens for Curlers
28:31 The Evolution of Curling and Its Dominant Nations
30:52 Experiencing the Olympics: First Impressions and Lessons Learned
34:45 Roles and Responsibilities: From Alternate to Competitor
40:00 Advice for First-Time Olympians: Embracing the Experience
41:58 The Fun Side of Curling: Culture and Community
42:53 The Intricacies of Curling: Surprising Facts and Insights
Takeaways
Curling has evolved from outdoor to indoor play due to weather conditions.
The sport of curling involves strategy, teamwork, and physical fitness.
Sweeping plays a crucial role in controlling the rock's path.
The Broomgate scandal highlighted the importance of standardized equipment in curling.
Mental preparation is as important as physical training for curlers.
Curling requires a high level of fitness, especially for sweepers.
The Olympic experience is unique and varies from first to third participation.
Canada is the dominant nation in curling, with a rich history in the sport.
Team dynamics and communication are vital for success in curling.
The Mixed Doubles format offers a faster-paced alternative to traditional curling.
Zak Ketterson shares his journey as a cross-country skier, discussing his upbringing in Minnesota, the impact of the NCAA system on his career, and the importance of building a personal brand as an athlete. He emphasizes the role of social media and content creation in connecting with fans and sponsors, and reflects on his aspirations for the upcoming Olympics. Zak also highlights the significance of authenticity in his content and the challenges and rewards of being a professional athlete.
takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Zak Ketterson
02:03 The Journey of a Cross-Country Skier
06:10 Growing Up in Minnesota: A Cross-Country Skiing Culture
10:53 The NCAA System and Its Impact on Skiing
16:08 Building a Personal Brand as an Athlete
21:54 The Role of Social Media in Skiing
27:41 Content Creation: YouTube and Newsletters
33:47 The Importance of Authenticity in Content
39:37 The Future of Zak Ketterson: Olympic Aspirations
54:36 Reflections on the Olympic Experience
Scott Meenagh is a former solder turned Paralympian. In this episode we get a master class in resilience from his journey into parasports, to his fight to keep his sport funded and represented.
Takeaways
The journey to success is often filled with adversity.
Finding purpose in sport can lead to personal growth.
The transition to a new sport can be challenging but rewarding.
Military training can influence athletic mindset positively.
Community support is crucial for athletes' success.
The cost of elite sport often affects family and friends.
Finding balance in life is essential for long-term success.
Selflessness can enhance team dynamics and performance.
Enjoying the journey is as important as the end goal.
Preparation for major events requires mental and physical readiness.
Chapters
00:00 The Path to Paralympic Sports
02:56 The Role of Sport in Rehabilitation
05:59 The Invictus Games Experience
08:37 Transitioning to Nordic Skiing
11:37 Military Mindset vs. Athletic Mindset
14:50 The Cost of Elite Performance
17:52 Balancing Life and Sport
20:57 The Importance of Enjoying the Journey
23:56 Parenting and Athletic Identity
26:46 Training with Purpose and Fun
38:38 Training Identity and Unique Approaches
44:59 Fearlessness and the Secret Sauce
52:15 The Journey to Nordic Skiing
59:33 Overcoming Challenges and Funding Issues
01:03:24 Looking Forward to Milan 2026
In this engaging conversation, Matt and Boris Stanish explore Boris's journey as an aspiring biathlete aiming for the Olympics through his Project 509 initiative. They discuss the importance of social media in documenting the athlete's journey, the challenges of balancing training with content creation, and the impact of community engagement. Boris shares insights on his experiences, the significance of building in public, and the legacy he hopes to create. The conversation culminates in reflections on the road to the Olympics and the opportunities that arise from sharing one's journey.
Takeaways
Boris's journey into biathlon began at a young age due to his parents' love for skiing.
Project 509 is about documenting every day of Boris's journey to the Olympics.
Social media can be a powerful tool for athletes to share their stories and inspire others.
Consistency in content creation is key, even during tough times.
Building a community around sports can lead to greater engagement and support.
Athletes should focus on documenting their process rather than striving for perfection in content.
The importance of having a clear mission and goals in sports and social media.
Boris emphasizes the need for athletes to give back to their communities.
Social media can open doors to opportunities and sponsorships for athletes.
The journey to the Olympics is filled with challenges, but perseverance is crucial.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Social Media Bromance
04:52 Inspiration and the Journey to Biathlon
07:18 The Path to Becoming an Olympian
10:01 Project 509: Documenting the Olympic Journey
12:54 Building in Public: The Athlete's Perspective
15:22 Content Creation and Consistency
18:18 Balancing Social Media and Athletic Life
21:16 Opportunities from Social Media Engagement
23:36 Community Engagement and Giving Back
26:27 Future Aspirations and Financial Opportunities
32:01 Rolls for Rolls: Building Community Through Roller Skiing
36:22 Inspiration from Young Athletes: The Power of Community
38:36 Legacy and Goals: What Will We Leave Behind?
39:56 Challenges of Project 509: Overcoming Adversity
43:10 Consistency in Content Creation: The Daily Grind
47:15 Olympic Aspirations: The Road to Qualification
50:38 Looking Forward: Anticipating the Olympics
#biathlon, #Project509, #Olympics, #socialmedia, #athletejourney, #contentcreation, #communityengagement, #training, #legacy, #inspiration
In this episode, Henrik Christiansen, a Norwegian swimmer and Olympic athlete, shares his journey from a young soccer player to becoming a world-class swimmer and the infamous 'Muffin Man.' He discusses the importance of authenticity in building a personal brand, the pressures of social media fame, and how he navigated his viral moment during the Olympics. Christiansen emphasizes the need for athletes to view themselves as entertainers and the significance of enjoying their sport. He also reflects on monetizing his personal brand and the lessons learned along the way, encouraging fellow athletes to embrace their individuality and engage with their communities.
Takeaways
Henrik Christiansen is a Norwegian swimmer specializing in long-distance events.
He transitioned from soccer to swimming after realizing his passion for the water.
Christiansen's journey includes a love for theater, which he balanced with swimming.
He became known as the 'Muffin Man' during the Tokyo Olympics, gaining viral fame.
Social media can be a powerful tool for athletes to build their personal brands.
Authenticity and engagement are crucial for success on social media.
Athletes should view themselves as entertainers to connect with their audience.
Enjoying the sport is essential for long-term success and fulfillment.
Monetizing a personal brand can provide financial stability for athletes.
Christiansen encourages athletes to think about their identity beyond sports.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Henrik Christiansen
02:52 The Journey into Swimming
06:51 Choosing Between Sports and Theater
07:42 Becoming the Muffin Man
11:08 Going Viral at the Olympics
15:58 The Pressure of Social Media Fame
19:03 Building a Personal Brand as an Athlete
26:35 Authenticity and Engagement in Social Media
29:11 The Importance of Enjoying the Sport
37:42 Monetizing the Personal Brand
48:10 Future Opportunities and Lessons Learned
#olympics #HenrikChristiansen #swimming #Olympicathlete #personalbrand #socialmedia #MuffinMan #athleteengagement #monetization #authenticity #sports #milanocortina #winterolympics
In this episode, Rakan Alireza shares his journey from Jeddah to the TED stage, discussing the challenges of public speaking, transitioning from rowing to cross-country skiing, and the rigorous training required for Olympic qualification. He reflects on the importance of community support, overcoming fears, and the mental aspects of competing. Rakan emphasizes the significance of enjoying the journey and setting future goals, while also highlighting the unique camaraderie within the sports community.
Chapters
00:00 The Journey Begins: From Jeddah to the TED Stage
02:56 Overcoming Challenges: The Art of Public Speaking
05:50 From Rowing to Skiing: A New Adventure
08:44 The Road to the Olympics: Training and Trials
11:43 Finding a Coach: The Search for Guidance
14:22 Racing Against Time: The Qualification Process
17:01 Injuries and Setbacks: Learning from Experience
20:06 The Mental Game: Overcoming Fears and Doubts
23:04 The Importance of Community: Support in Sports
26:02 Looking Ahead: The Olympics and Beyond
29:07 Reflections on the Journey: What It Means to Compete
31:51 The Future: Goals and Aspirations Post-Olympics
In this recap, I pick my 5 favourite lessons from the last 5 episodes.
Alan Daniel Corona shares his inspiring journey as a self-taught cross-country skier representing Mexico at the Olympics. He discusses the importance of community, self-belief, and the challenges of balancing family life with rigorous training. The conversation delves into the significance of the Olympics, the unique dynamics of the Mexican skiing community, and the personal growth that comes from pursuing such a demanding sport. Alan emphasizes the importance of commitment, the value of learning from experiences, and the joy of being part of a supportive network of athletes. As they countdown to the upcoming Olympics, both speakers reflect on their motivations, aspirations, and the lessons learned along the way.
Takeaways
Alan's journey into cross-country skiing began as a personal challenge.
The Mexican skiing community is growing, with many athletes living abroad.
Self-teaching has been a crucial part of Alan's training process.
The Olympics represent a significant milestone for athletes, not just in terms of competition but personal growth.
Community and support are vital for athletes, especially those from smaller nations.
Commitment and consistency are more important than motivation in achieving goals.
Alan emphasizes the importance of being the CEO of one's health.
The journey to the Olympics is about more than medals; it's about inspiring others.
Overcoming imposter syndrome is a common challenge for latecomers to sports.
The conversation highlights the importance of sharing experiences and learning from each other.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage
03:16 The Journey to Cross-Country Skiing
10:30 The Mexican Cross-Country Skiing Community
12:52 Self-Teaching and Overcoming Challenges
16:49 The Meaning of the Olympics
28:16 Building a Supportive Community
42:21 Countdown to Cortina: Future Plans
49:34 Reflections on the Journey and Personal Growth
In this episode Michal & I discuss the journey to the Olympics, sharing personal experiences, cultural clashes, and the importance of mental preparation in sports. They explore the significance of character in athletes, the Czech cross-country skiing team's history, and the excitement surrounding the upcoming Cortina 2026 Olympics. We also touch on training strategies, audience questions, and the value of patience and belief in achieving one's goals.
Takeaways
The Olympic tattoo symbolizes achievement and personal milestones.
First Olympic experiences can be both challenging and memorable.
Cultural clashes can occur at international events, especially regarding customs.
Connecting with other athletes is a key part of the Olympic spirit.
The journey to becoming an Olympian often starts with early passion and talent.
The Czech cross-country ski team has a rich history and is growing in strength.
Athletes need to be more than just competitors; they should embody values and character.
Mental preparation is crucial for success in competitive sports.
Training smart is as important as training hard; quality over quantity matters.
Patience and belief in oneself are essential for long-term success.
Chapters
00:00 Olympic Aspirations and Tattoos
04:36 First Olympic Experiences
07:24 Cultural Clashes at the Olympics
08:25 Advice for First-Time Olympians
08:32 The Journey to Becoming an Olympian
11:14 The Czech Cross-Country Ski Team
13:32 The Importance of Character in Sports
16:04 Mental Preparation and Training Strategies
18:28 Promoting the Czech Republic
21:07 Training Secrets and Mindset
24:04 Pre-Race Routines and Superstitions
25:46 Lessons from the World Cup
25:58 The Future of Cross-Country Skiing
28:24 Audience Questions and Insights
31:05 Looking Forward to Cortina 2026
39:02 closing.mp3
This episode explores the journey of Holmenkollen Training Lab, the cultural factors contributing to Norway's success in winter sports, and the importance of team dynamics in coaching. The discussion also touches on the role of digital content in athlete training, the long-term vision for the training lab, and personal reflections on experiences at the Olympics. The podcast emphasizes the significance of accountability and the impact of idols in inspiring future athletes. This conversation explores the unique aspects of Norway's dominance in winter sports, particularly cross-country skiing. We discuss the historical and cultural factors that shape the Norwegian mentality towards sports, the significance of family influence in athletic success, and the upcoming Winter Olympics.
Also, we delve into the technicalities of cross-country skiing, offering insights and tips for aspiring skiers, while also emphasizing the importance of community and the unifying power of sports across nations.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Its Goals
00:49 The Journey of Homocon Training Lab
03:45 Cultural Insights on Coaching and Athlete Development
06:32 The Importance of Team Dynamics in Coaching
09:27 The Role of Technology and Digital Content in Training
11:41 Long-term Vision for Homocon Training Lab
14:31 Experiences at the Olympics
17:29 Norway's Dominance in Winter Sports
20:35 Personal Reflections and Future Aspirations
28:12 The Norwegian Mentality in Sports
31:08 Cultural Influences on Athletic Success
32:19 Countdown to the Olympics
34:31 Understanding Cross-Country Skiing
37:05 Tips for Aspiring Skiers
39:17 Teaching Cross-Country Skiing
44:30 Learning from Global Perspectives
45:50 The Unifying Power of Sports
49:19 Mispelveien.mp3
Takeaways
The podcast aims to provide positive insights from athletes and coaches.
Holmenkollen Training Lab was founded to meet people and share knowledge.
Cultural factors play a significant role in Norway's success in winter sports.
Team dynamics are crucial for effective coaching and athlete development.
Digital content can enhance training and athlete engagement.
The long-term vision for Hollmenkollen Training Lab includes creating a supportive workplace.
Experiencing the Olympics as a coach is about the journey and the athletes' dreams.
Norway's success in winter sports is attributed to a strong cultural mindset.
Having idols in sports inspires the next generation of athletes.
The importance of accountability partners in individual sports. Norway's success in sports is deeply rooted in its historical challenges and cultural mentality.
The Norwegian mentality emphasizes hard work and resilience, shaped by harsh living conditions.
Family influence plays a significant role in the development of athletes in Norway.
Cross-country skiing requires a balance of technique, momentum, and relaxation for optimal performance.
Training on roller skis is essential for year-round preparation in cross-country skiing.
Teaching cross-country skiing can be challenging, especially with experienced adult learners.
Different cultures have unique strengths that can enhance the understanding of sports training.
The upcoming Winter Olympics is seen as a platform for unity amidst global challenges.
Sports have the power to bring people together, transcending political differences.
Cross-country skiing is a lifelong sport that can be enjoyed at any age.
Summary: In this episode Nicole Burger, a skeleton athlete representing South Africa, shares her journey into the sport, the challenges she faces, and her aspirations for the upcoming Olympics in Milan-Cortina. The discussion covers the mechanics of skeleton, the psychological resilience required, the community of athletes, and the balance between her military career and sports. Nicole emphasizes the importance of the Olympic spirit and the camaraderie among athletes from different nations, highlighting how sport brings people together.
Takeaways
Skeleton is a thrilling sport that requires both physical and mental resilience.
The first experience on a skeleton sled is both exhilarating and daunting.
Understanding the mechanics of skeleton involves learning to steer and control the sled at high speeds.
The psychological challenges of the sport can be more daunting than the physical ones.
Community and support among athletes from different nations are crucial in the sport.
Training for the Olympics involves rigorous preparation and a focus on points to qualify.
National identity plays a significant role in the experience of competing internationally.
Equipment logistics are complex and require careful management for successful competition.
The ideal skeleton athlete combines speed, strength, and experience.
The Olympics represent the pinnacle of achievement for athletes, fostering a sense of global community.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Skeleton and the Journey Begins
03:16 The Thrill of the First Run
04:06 New Chapter
06:08 Understanding the Mechanics of Skeleton
08:52 The Psychological Challenges of Skeleton
11:14 The Path to Becoming a Skeleton Athlete
14:13 The Equipment and Logistics of Skeleton
16:57 The Competitive Landscape of Skeleton
19:22 The Future of Skeleton and Personal Aspirations
24:07 Journey to Skeleton: Personal Stories and Motivation
30:00 The Olympic Spirit: Community and Friendship
33:48 Olympic Memories: Personal Reflections and Experiences
39:08 Preparing for the Olympics: Training and Goals
41:45 Support Systems: Balancing Sport and Work
44:21 Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations and Connections
Keywords
Skeleton, Olympics, Winter Sports, South Africa, Athlete Journey, Community, Training, Equipment, Mental Resilience, Sports Psychology
In this episode of Countdown to Cortina, Matt has a heartfelt conversation with Italian cross-country skiing champion Federico Pellegrino. They discuss the upcoming Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, the importance of athlete representation, and the balance between sport and personal life. Pellegrino shares insights on training, the evolution of cross-country skiing, and the significance of maintaining happiness and relationships outside of sport. The episode emphasizes the journey of an athlete, the legacy of the Olympics, and the importance of long-term goals.
Takeaways
The Milano Cortina Olympics present a unique opportunity for Italy.
Athletes should focus on team success rather than individual accolades.
Legacy is about societal impact and future opportunities for athletes.
Balancing family life with professional training is crucial for success.
Exploring different racing styles can enhance an athlete's performance.
The evolution of training methods has leveled the playing field in cross-country skiing.
Young athletes should prioritize long-term goals over short-term results.
Mindset and personal happiness are key to athletic success.
Athletes should seek opportunities beyond their sport during their careers.
Building relationships and maintaining a positive mindset contribute to overall well-being.
Chapters
00:00 Countdown to Cortina: Introduction to the Podcast
01:59 Federico Pellegrino: The Happy Champion
02:44 The Italian Winter Olympics: A Unique Opportunity
06:58 Legacy of the Milano Cortina Olympics
09:14 Training Insights: Balancing Family and Sport
12:20 Exploring Distance Racing: A New Focus
17:10 Evolution of Cross-Country Skiing Training
20:19 Advice for Young Athletes: Long-Term Goals
23:01 Mindset and Performance: The Bigger Picture
26:31 Life Beyond Sport: Balancing Family and Career
29:56 The Importance of Relationships in Sports
32:27 Finding Happiness: The Key to Success
35:12 Athlete Representation: The Role of the Athlete
37:23 Future Plans: Life After Sport
41:32 The Journey: Enjoying the Process
43:21 Recipe for Happiness: Personal Insights
45:39 Audience Questions: Fun and Insightful
51:54 Maintaining Longevity in Sport
54:59 Looking Forward to Milano Cortina 2026
Keywords
#Olympics #crosscountryskiing #FedericoPellegrino #MilanoCortina #athletemindset #training #familybalance #sportslegacy #athleterepresentation #happiness
In this bonus episode I wanted to recap the first 5 episodes with picking my favourite take away from each episode.
1. Andrew Musgrave: Athletes needing their personalities to show through - which goes back to a topic I really want to talk more about which is how athletes can become more multi-facetted. Meaning being seen as more than just the sport.
You are more than your results!
Muzzy discusses the role of athletes in building personal brands
The more that athletes do the better for the sport,
How can this be achieved
Carina Edlinger
If you train all your life to win gold, your only up their for 10 minutes.
They say, its about the journey, but i say its about what you make of the journey, its not enough to be a passenger in the journey you need to be in the driving seat.
Make the most of it, document the process.
Johann Olav Koss
You need to believe that what your doing is whats right!
Its the belief that your process is the winning process,
Its easy to have a look over your shoulder and feel like what your doing is wrong
You train for so many hrs in a day, you also need to use your brain
Dani Aravich
Leading the charge on changing the narrative around ParaSports,
They are elite sports too,
Para sports have come such a long way,
Annika
Uses Hypnosis - the mind is the answer
Look at your your doing, then look at what your not.
In this conversation, Annika Malacinski shares her journey as a Nordic combined athlete, discussing the unique duality of ski jumping and cross-country skiing. She reflects on her experiences, the challenges of competing in a sport that lacks gender equality in the Olympics, and her aspirations to inspire the next generation of female athletes. Annika emphasizes the importance of mental training, recovery, and maintaining a positive attitude in the face of adversity.
Takeaways
Nordic combined is a unique sport combining ski jumping and cross-country skiing.
The adrenaline rush is a significant motivator for athletes in extreme sports.
Ski jumping requires mental focus, while cross-country skiing demands physical endurance.
Annika's journey into ski jumping began at 16 after quitting gymnastics.
Women's Nordic combined is a new sport, with ongoing efforts for Olympic inclusion.
Mental training, including hypnosis, plays a crucial role in athletic performance.
Annika aims to inspire young girls to pursue Nordic combined and fight for equality.
Growing up in two cultures has shaped Annika's identity as an athlete.
Sibling rivalry can be a motivating factor in sports.
Recovery and injury prevention are essential for athletes.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Setup
00:46 Meet Annika Malacinski: A Dual Athlete's Journey
02:19 The Thrill of the First Jump
17:55 Making History in Nordic Combined
21:26 Fighting for Equality in Sports
25:25 Living a Double Life
28:18 Heritage and Family Influence in Sports
30:06 Sibling Rivalry and Motivation
32:57 Managing Training Load and Injury Prevention
36:27 The Power of Mindset and Hypnosis
44:12 Inspiration and Advocacy for Women's Inclusion in Sports
49:58 annika outro .mp3
Keywords
#Nordiccombined #skijumping #crosscountryskiing #womenssports #Olympicequality, #athletejourney #mentaltraining #sportshistory #siblingrivalry #adrenaline #sports
In this episode, Dani shares her unique journey as a Paralympian from from discovering that there is actually a category for her disability, to then competing in not 1 but 2 Paralympics. She offers valuable advice for first-time Olympians, highlights the complexities of classification in para sports, and emphasises the need for inclusivity and understanding in the athletic community. Dani's insights into the mindset of athletes and the realities of competing at the highest level provide a compelling look into the world of Paralympic sports.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:48 Training and Preparation for the Games
04:27 Understanding Classification in Para Sports
40:07 The Path to Cross-Country Skiing and Competing
46:48 Balancing Dual Disciplines in Sports
51:37 Team USA's Unified Approach to Sports
#Paralympics #Winter Olympics #Nordicskiing #athletemindset #sportsclassification #athleteadvice, #Olympicjourney #sportscommunity #inclusivity
Today's guest is one of Norway's greatest Olympians, and coming from the land of winter olympians that's saying something.
Johan Olav Koss, is a 4 time Olympic Gold medal winning Speed Skater, 3 of which came during his home Olympics in Lillehammer 1994, where he not only won, he broke the world records while doing so!
Spoiler alert, Johann shares how making peace with losing, helped him win, he shares a rare look back at the build up to the 94 Lillehammer olympics, and how the they distributed the pressure amongst team, to cope with the hope of a nation, and what life 30yrs after gold is like - AND how he has helped 20m children from war torn communities using the one thing he knows best, sport!
I really enjoyed recording this one, so I hope you enjoy listening just as much as i did recording.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Countdown to Cortina: The Olympic Spirit
02:35 Team Avalanche: A New Era in Winter Sports
04:54 The Journey Begins: Early Days in Speed Skating
06:25 Understanding Speed Skating: Distances and Disciplines
06:29 The Rise of a Champion: From Local to National
07:15 Olympic Dreams: The Road to 1992
07:15 The Olympic Experience: Advice for First-Timers
08:53 Technology and the Olympics: A New Era
10:17 Reflections on the Olympic Journey
15:08 The Evolution of the Olympics
18:54 Preparing for Lillehammer 1994
21:13 Mental Strategies for Success
26:46 Reflections on Pressure and Performance
30:40 Life After Gold: Transitioning to New Roles
Keywords
Olympics, speed skating, Lillehammer, mental preparation, Right to Play, sports legacy, athlete journey, humanitarian work, winter sports, Olympic history
In our second episode of Countdown to Cortina, matt sits down with Carina Edlinger, Paralympic gold medalist from Beijing 2022. Carina shares how she overcame loosing her sight, and became the most decorated Austrian Cross Country Skier of all time.
Muzzy shares his journey from Scotland to becoming a beloved figure in Norway's cross-country skiing scene. He reflects on his Olympic experiences, the evolution of the sport, and the importance of inclusivity and engagement in cross-country skiing. The discussion also touches on the role of social media in building an athlete's brand and the excitement surrounding the upcoming Milan Cortina Olympics. Muzzy emphasizes the need for innovation and a more engaging spectator experience to ensure the longevity of the sport.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Cortina and Guest Background
00:06 Olympic Experiences and Memories
27:08 Team Dynamics and Funding in Cross-Country Skiing
29:46 The Need for Diversity in Cross-Country Skiing
32:47 Engaging Spectators in Cross-Country Skiing
35:48 Innovative Ideas for Cross-Country Skiing Events
38:30 Marketing Cross-Country Skiing to the Masses
41:02 The Role of Athletes in Building Personal Brands
46:16 Future of Cross-Country Skiing and Athlete Engagement
46:50 Advice for Beginners: Getting Started in Cross-Country Skiing
46:50 Pro Tips: Mastering Cross-Country Skiing
50:00 Favuorite Courses: The Best of World Cup Skiing
51:30 ending.mp3
This is countdown to cortina, a weekly podcast leading up to the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics.
Created & hosted by me, Matt C Smith.
This time-limited series will feature conversations with past and present Olympic & Paralympic legends, cult heroes, and hopefuls.
We are going to go on a journey to discover more about the different disciplines, about the athletes, and stories that make the Olympics the most loved & watched sporting event on the planet.
In the process, educating, entertaining and inspiring through the values that sports promote.
This is a countdown to cortina, and the clock starts now.
