Evan MacDonald’s wrestling career took him to the highest stage — the 2004 Olympic Games — but his story is about much more than medals and matches. It’s about the sacrifices nobody sees, the politics behind the sport, and the brutal reality of chasing a dream that doesn’t always love you back.

In this raw conversation, Evan opens up about walking into the Olympic arena, the crushing neck injury that changed everything, and his fight against a system that nearly shut the door on his career. We dig into the identity crisis that follows when the singlet comes off, the pressure of being both a coach and a partner, and what it really takes to transition from combat on the mat to competition in the business world.

This episode isn’t just about wrestling — it’s about resilience, reinvention, and the fight to define yourself beyond the spotlight. If you’ve ever wondered what happens when the Olympic flame burns out, Evan’s story pulls no punches.

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