How Did Alyssa and Haley Anderson Make the Olympics Together and Overcome Imposter Syndrome?
Samantha Peszek is on a mission to discover the secret of some of the best athlete’s in the world — what makes them tick, their commitment to success, and how they build confidence in their sport and in life. Utilizing Samantha’s Olympic network (she really does have cool friends), guests will divulge what it’s really like to compete at the highest level — the struggles, triumphs, and everything in between. You will have an opportunity to learn from some of the best athletes in the world and be able to apply relevant tips to your everyday life!
Sam welcomes to the podcast two very special guests, Olympic swimmers and sisters, Alyssa and Haley Anderson. Alyssa became an Olympic gold medalist in 2012, and Haley was one of the first USA athletes who qualified for the upcoming Olympics Games in Tokyo for 2020. This will mark Haley’s third Olympic Games. Haley’s already won an Olympic silver medal in 2012 and was the first American to earn a medal in open water swimming. In this episode, Sam, Alyssa and Haley discuss the culture of USA Swimming, the mindset required to be a successful Olympian, and the power of resiliency. Alyssa and Haley break down the difference between open water and pool swimming competitions as well as how they get pumped up before big races. Finally, Alyssa and Haley talk about Imposter Syndrome and the importance of overcoming your own self-doubts to achieve greatness.
Key Takeaways
- Introducing today’s guests, Anderson and Anderson
- Sam takes a moment to thank her sponsor, Tumbl Trak and Right Rice
- Sam, Alyssa and Haley share their first memories of each other
- Alyssa and Haley talk about their upbringing and childhood
- How Alyssa and Haley got involved in swimming
- The moment Alyssa and Haley had aspirations to compete at the Olympics
- The process of making the USA National Team for Swimming
- The culture of USA Swimming
- Alyssa and Haley discuss the differences between open water and pool swimming events
- Alyssa and Haley speak to their training regiments
- Sam takes a moment to thank her sponsors Tumbl Trak and Right Rice
- What keeps Alyssa and Haley motivated
- Alyssa and Haley discuss their mental and physical pre-race routines
- How Alyssa and Haley get fired up before a big race
- The importance of resilience
- How Alyssa and Haley celebrated making the Olympics together
- Alyssa and Haley recall their favorite non-swimming memories from the 2012 Olympic Games
- Alyssa and Haley speak to the reasons for their Olympic success
- The emotional come down from the Olympic Games
- Haley talks about her experience during the 2016 Olympic Games
- Imposter Syndrome
- Alyssa and Haley speak to their thoughts on confidence
- Stay in your lane
- How Alyssa and Haley define confidence
- Plans for post-retirement
- Alyssa and Haley reveal one thing people can do to get 1% better each day
- Sam thanks Alyssa and Haley for joining the show
Episode Quotes
“It’s [USA Swimming] always been a really super tight knit community — a family — where you really help each other.” ~ Alyssa
“I’ve been a professional athlete now for six years and if I was training like an open water swimmer, it’s so boring. I can’t do boring. I like to mix it up and have fun with it.” ~ Alyssa
“I think that a lot of times — and I know I’ve fallen victim to this — races are won and lost before you even begin.” ~ Haley
“I think that’s always kind of been where I made myself different from other competitors was being resilient. I think that you have to be resilient. So, you might not have a great first race at your big meet, but how do you bounce back from that and put together a great second race or third race?” ~ Haley
“They talk about the Olympic blues. I didn’t have it that bad but it was just weird because it’s such a high. It’s the pinnacle of everything. It’s the highest you can get in your sport.” ~ Alyssa
“You gotta be your own biggest fan…if you’re not rooting for yourself then who the heck is?” ~ Haley
