Lauren Steadman on switching sports, taking breaks and the psychology of elite athletes

Lauren Steadman was just 15 years old when she first competed as a para swimmer at the Beijing 2008 Paralympics; but despite her talent and dedication she went home empty handed. An experience she repeated in London in 2012. Lauren talks to fellow Paralympian Matt Stutzman and legendary Olympian Michael Johnson about her decision to switch to Para Triathlon and the triumph that soon followed. 

But what happens to an athlete once they win the Paralympic gold medal they’ve worked all their lives to achieve? Lauren explains why she needed to step away from competing for a bit and what she’s learned about herself and other elite athletes while completing a pHD in Psychology.

Our hosts put their French to the test to see if they can follow the Triathlon route through the city of love.

In Rising Phoenix: What Does It Take? Matt and Michael explore the hard work, drive, dedication and sacrifice required to become an elite Paralympian. Paralympic swimming legend and Paris 2024 Integration Manager, Ludvine Munos joins the pair for the final episode.

Brought to you by the creators of Emmy Award winning Rising Phoenix. Supported by global partners Procter & Gamble - the makers of Oral-B, Pampers and Gillette Venus - and adidas. 

“Rising Phoenix” - Written by Daniel Pemberton, Keith Jones, Toni Hickman and George Doman

Performed by Daniel Pemberton, Toni Hickman, georgetragic, and Keith Jones. Published by Alika’s Publishing, Doman Development, Moncur Street Music Limited, administered by peermusic (UK) Ltd.

You can watch the video version of this episode on the Rising Phoenix Youtube channel here

This is a Persephonica production in partnership with Harder Than You Think.

Hosts: Michael Johnson and Matt Stutzman

Producers: Marilyn Rust and Calum Campbell

Director of video: Oliver Geraghty

Video production: Dan Pape 

Executive Producers: Greg Nugent and Ellie Clifford

Archive: IPC Tokyo 2020, Rio 2016

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