How Did Kaitlin Sandeno Become a 4X Olympic Medalist, an Author, & Break Barriers for Women Everywhere?
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-time Olympic swimmer and four-time Olympic medalist, Kaitlin Sandeno. Kaitlin is a world champion, former world record holder and has won a gold, silver and two bronze medals throughout her career. Since retiring, Kaitlin has gone on to lead a successful post-Olympic career as a sports commentator, motivational speaker, coach, philanthropist, author, and GM of a professional international swimming league.
In this episode, Sam and Kaitlin talk extensively about Kaitlin’s professional swimming career, from the highs of qualifying and competing in two Olympics to the lows of injuries. They discuss the lessons they both learned from their first experiences at the Olympic Games. Kaitlin tells the story of how she won her most prized medal, the silver, and what it meant to her personally. Finally, Kaitlin talks about her post-Olympic career, including her involvement as a National Spokesperson for NEGU, an organization that’s near and dear to her heart.
Key Takeaways
- Introducing today’s guest, Kaitlin Saneno
- Sam takes a moment to thank her sponsor, Tumbl Trak and Right Rice
- Sam and Kaitlin share their first memories of each other
- Kaitlin’s journey as a young swimmer
- Obstacles Kaitlin had to overcome as a young swimmer
- Kaitlin recalls a time when she felt insecure with her body
- The moment Kaitlin realized she was good enough to make the Olympics
- The emotional experience of making the Olympics in 2000
- How Kaitlin’s parents were an integral part of her success
- Kaitlin’s first impressions of the Olympic village
- Winning bronze in the 800-meter freestyle event
- Lessons Kaitlin learned from her first Olympic experience
- The decision to train and compete for a chance at another Olympics
- Kaitlin shares the value she places on education and why she chose to attend USC
- Training for the 2004 Olympic Games while attending college
- Sam takes a moment to thank her sponsors Tumbl Trak, Right Rice and Uplifter
- The rocky period between 2000 and 2004
- Kaitlin’s experience at her second Olympic Games in 2004
- Why Kaitlin’s silver medal is worth more to her than her gold medal
- Kaitlin explains why winning this silver medal was the first moment she was truly proud of herself
- The motivation to continue training post-Olympics
- What makes Michael Phelps the best at his sport, according to Kaitlin
- Kaitlin opens up about an injury that derailed her prospects to compete in the 2008 Olympics
- Kaitlin’s post-retirement life
- Kaitlin speaks to her work as a National Spokesperson for NEGU (Never Ever Give Up)
- What motivated Kaitlin to write her book, Golden Glow
- Kaitlin’s historic new role as International Swimming League GM
- Kaitlin speaks to the influences on her confidence level throughout her life
- Kaitlin reveals one thing people can do to get 1% better each day
Episode Quotes
“Making the Olympics the first time makes you realize the second time you really need to sit back and take it all in.”
“So, I learned a lot from my first race at my first Olympics. You can’t control the uncontrollable. You can’t swim someone else’s race. You have to stick to your game plan. You’ve gotta put blinders on. And just, you do you, boo. You do you.”
“Between 2000 and 2004 was extremely rocky. I had more bad seasons than I had good seasons. I had more bad swims than I had good swims…I had a series of injuries. I was always sick.”
“As cheesy as it sounds, my silver is my personal gold. That’s my time. Nobody can take that away from me. What I just did was the most surreal, incredible race.”
“I think we’re on a mission to make the world a better place — make a lasting impact and affect the next generation in a positive way. I just think there’s just so much darkness right now and if we have even a little platform…if you can use that platform to inspire, encourage and motivate, gosh that’s rad.”
“Olympic athletes are no different. We’re everyday people. We’re relatable, and we’ve had hard times. And we’ve had times we wanted to give up. We’ve had times where we were overweight. We’ve had times where we were broken down. But, we just chose to NEGU, ya know? And, that’s what I hope my book does — I hope it inspires.”
