Beyond Victory: Olympian Kaylee Gilchrist On Overcoming Trauma and Achieving Peak Performance
Today marks the third episode in the series on the psychology of peak performance. I have an extraordinary guest joining me: three-time Olympian, two-time Olympic gold medalist, and four-time world champion, Kaleigh Gilchrist.
Kaleigh’s athletic journey is inspiring not just for her success in both water polo and surfing but for her remarkable resilience after a life-altering accident during the 2019 World Championships in South Korea.
In this candid and vulnerable conversation, Kaleigh shares just what truly sets elite athletes apart, it’s not just about talent, it’s about mindset; the ability to handle pressure, and commit fully—on the good days and the tough ones.
From the intensity of training for the Olympics and moments of self-doubt to the harsh realities of injury, recovery, and psychological healing, Kaleigh shares the pivotal role of mentorship, therapy, and self-awareness in her comeback.
You’ll hear how a brush with tragedy shifted her perspective, ignited a “Mamba Mission” inspired by Kobe Bryant, and ultimately led to personal growth that transcended her athletic career.
Whether you’re an athlete, an aspiring high performer, or simply facing your own challenges, this episode is packed with hard-earned lessons on resilience, mental toughness, and finding new purpose beyond the competition.
Get ready for a raw and inspiring look at what it means to truly “shift or get off the pot”—and how to use adversity as fuel for creating something greater.
Timestamps:
03:31 What it takes to be an Olympian
07:55 Early Career Challenges in Surfing
13:54 Embracing Mindfulness in High-Level Sports
16:12 Balcony Collapse at Aquatics Event
25:18 "Mamba Mission: Athlete's Journey"
33:36 Mind's Power & Panic
40:05 Camps for Champs: Water Polo Clinics
Key Takeaways:
- Mindset Outshines Talent
- Embrace Vulnerability and Seek Support
- Commitment Changes Everything
Her story is a powerful testament to the importance of mentorship, self-awareness, embracing change, and never underestimating the power of the human mind.
If you need a spark of motivation or want to better understand the psychology behind high performance, this episode is a must-listen!
Connect with Kaleigh:
Other
Links Mentioned:
QUIZ: Are You Blocking Your Success
Visit the Shift or Get Off the Pot Website:
ShiftOrGetOffThePotPodcast.com
Keep in Contact! Visit Kim's Website: KimKelleyThompson.com | Email Kim: Kim@KimKelleyThompson.com
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Production House:
GEM MEDIA GROUP
Copyright of Kim Kelley Thompson 2024.
