Podcast Ep 76: Olympian Silken Laumann

If you are looking for a little inspiration and wisdom for your ear holes, then get ready for our guest today: Olympian, author, life coach and advocate Silken Laumann. Her multitude of accomplishments includes winning the bronze medal in rowing in 1992 (and doing so just 10 weeks after a brutal leg injury!), as well as the silver medal in Atlanta in 1996. Silken is one of Canada’s (and, heck, the world’s!) most highly-respected athletes, so it was surprising for many to learn in her memoir, Unsinkable, that she struggled during her childhood with an eating disorder.

Silken’s journey has taken her from the heights of Olympic glory to the lows of dealing with a negative self-image — and she has so much to say about how to practice gratitude and picking yourself up after a setback. Trust us. You have met your new Canadian soul sister!

A few of our fave quotes from Silken include …

Podcast Episode 76 Highlights With Silken Laumann

• Her early bouts with depression and eating disorders
• How sports are an incredible avenue to learn life skills
• Her long-term views on fitness (lift those weights, ladies!)
• How she worried about passing along her body image issues to her daughters
• Learning to embrace “having it all” — but not all at once
• The human journey of doubt and insecurity that we all must take
• Learning gratitude, even from failure
• Her regular morning routine that includes gratitude
• What it was like to be honored on Canada’s Walk of Fame
• Advice for anyone dealing with an injury (she knows all about that!)
• The one shining moment in 1990 that made her realize her Olympian dreams could come true
• Plus, we talk about whether we share Silken’s optimism … and how we stay positive when it’s not the obvious choice

Get the episode with Silken Laumann here or below!

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What are your secrets for overcoming adversity? —Margo

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