Podcast Summary
The Power of Sharing One's Truth: Sharing personal struggles can lead to unexpected positive outcomes, inspire others, and contribute to social change.
Sharing one's personal struggles and experiences, even if it involves the end of a dream or a public fall from grace, can lead to unexpected positive outcomes. Mary Kane's story, as shared on the Rich Roll podcast, illustrates this powerfully. After enduring years of physical and emotional abuse in the elite world of track and field, Mary decided to speak out about her experiences in a viral New York Times video op-ed. Her courage to share her story led to a groundswell of support and opened the door to broader conversations around athlete welfare. This not only helped Mary heal but also inspired others to come forward with their own stories. The power of sharing one's truth can indeed be transformative, leading to personal growth and even social change.
Discover Delicious Alcohol-Free Brews and Empowering Women's Stories: Enjoy alcohol-free brews from Go Brewing and be inspired by Mary Kayne's advocacy for women's athletics and community building
Even though alcohol can disrupt your health and well-being, you don't have to give up your favorite brews entirely. Go Brewing, a new NA beer company, offers delicious, small-batch, alcohol-free brews made with natural ingredients and no added sugar or artificial processing. Meanwhile, Mary Kayne, a runner and advocate, has emerged stronger from her experiences and is making a positive impact by promoting running community, inclusivity, and diversity, and rewriting the business model for professional women's athletics. The vibe during travel is that people are taking safety measures seriously, and New York City is showing signs of a renaissance, with an anticipated cultural resurgence in the coming year.
New York City's Unique Running Experience: New York City's vibrant urban environment and diverse running community inspire and welcome runners of all levels with organized amateur sports and weekly competitions, creating a dynamic atmosphere.
New York City offers a unique running experience unlike any other place due to its vibrant urban environment and diverse running community. The city's density and diversity create a surge of vitality and inspiration, making it a favorite destination for runners of all levels. The organized amateur sports scene and weekly competitions provide opportunities for runners to participate and be a part of a welcoming and inclusive community. The energy and enthusiasm of fellow runners, whether elite or beginners, create a dynamic atmosphere that makes running in New York City an adventure. The city's urban culture intertwines with the running culture, creating a beautiful and exciting experience for runners.
The Power of Friendship and Open Communication: Friendship and open communication are vital for personal growth and healing. Allow yourself to grieve, focus on the present, and share vulnerably to inspire and help others.
Friendship and open communication are essential for personal growth and healing. The speakers in this conversation shared their experiences of going through difficult times and how their friendship with Alexi Pappas helped them cope and move forward. They emphasized the importance of allowing oneself to grieve while also focusing on the present and creating a fulfilling life. The speakers also highlighted the significance of vulnerability and sharing personal stories to help and inspire others. They encouraged the audience to reflect on their own journeys and consider how reaching out to friends or seeking help earlier could have made a difference. Overall, the conversation underscored the importance of fostering deep connections and using those relationships to support each other through life's challenges.
Personal stories help recognize mental health injuries: Sharing experiences with mental health issues can aid in identification and seeking help, despite societal stigmas and lack of visible symptoms.
Mental health injuries, which can be just as debilitating as physical injuries, are often harder to recognize and address due to societal stigmas and the lack of visible symptoms. Sharing personal stories can help others put a name to their experiences and seek the help they need. The speaker, Alexi, shares how her own experience with emotional abuse by a coach contributed to disordered eating and deeper depression, which went unrecognized for years. She emphasizes that it took time to recognize that she was not at fault and that societal perspectives can make it difficult for individuals to identify and address mental health issues. The viral nature of her story highlights the need for more open discussions about mental health in sports and society at large.
Pressure to meet unrealistic body image expectations derailed athletic career: Former pro runner shares her experience of facing intense scrutiny and criticism about her weight while working with her coach, ultimately leading her to realize her worth as an athlete wasn't defined by an unattainable standard.
The pressure to meet unrealistic expectations, particularly around body image, can derail even the most promising athletic careers. The speaker, a former professional runner, shares her experience of excelling in high school and going pro early, only to face increasing scrutiny and criticism about her weight while working with her coach, Alberto Salazar, at the Nike Oregon Project. This pressure began in earnest after she developed a stress reaction in her shin and was sidelined for a time, during which her body began to change naturally. Despite her continued success on the track, she was told she wasn't fit enough to race in Europe, and the focus on her weight became all-consuming. This experience ultimately led her to realize that her worth as an athlete was being measured against an unattainable standard, and she has since made peace with her past and shared her story publicly to help others who may be going through similar struggles.
Pressure to meet unrealistic expectations can harm athletes: Coaches' focus on physical appearance can lead to disordered eating, poor performance, and isolation. Open communication is crucial for athlete well-being.
The pressure to meet unrealistic expectations, coupled with a coach's control and manipulation, can lead to harmful outcomes. In this case, the speaker was told she was too heavy to compete at an elite level and was encouraged to lose weight. This led to disordered eating and a poor performance season. The coach's communication with her parents also shifted, leaving the speaker feeling isolated and distanced. Despite the coach's claims of ongoing communication with her parents, the speaker felt she was not allowed to share her struggles with them, leading to further feelings of isolation and control. The experience highlights the dangers of prioritizing physical appearance over an athlete's well-being and the importance of open and honest communication between athletes, coaches, and support systems.
Competition and trust in high-performance environments: In high-performance settings, the competitive dynamic between athletes and coaches can compromise trust and privacy, leading to a culture where athletes feel unable to speak up about inappropriate behavior. Manipulation of information and athletes' perceptions can pit them against each other, undermining team unity and support.
The dynamic between athletes and coaches in high-performance environments can be complex and competitive, with athletes vying for favor and protecting themselves, even at the expense of their teammates. Trust and privacy, which are crucial in therapeutic relationships, were compromised in this situation, leading to a culture where athletes felt they couldn't speak up about inappropriate behavior. The coach's control over information and manipulation of athletes' perceptions created an environment where athletes were pitted against each other, undermining the unity and support that should have existed within the team. Ultimately, the fear of reprisal and the desire to protect one's own position prevented many athletes from speaking up, allowing the harmful behavior to continue.
The Impact of Mentors in Sports: Mentors help young athletes navigate the competitive landscape, providing a sense of belonging and supporting the next generation. Recognizing the importance of community and giving back leads to true greatness in sports.
The power of mentorship and support in sports cannot be overstated. Witnessing and experiencing harmful behavior can leave a lasting impact on athletes, and it takes courage for those who have experienced it to speak out. Mentors, like Alexi, play a crucial role in helping young athletes navigate the competitive landscape and providing them with a sense of belonging. It's essential for athletes to recognize the importance of giving back and supporting the next generation, rather than focusing solely on individual performance. The current sponsorship ecosystem can create a negative environment, with financial rewards tied to individual performance, leading to fear and competition among athletes. However, true greatness is achieved when athletes broaden their perspective and recognize the importance of community and giving back.
Evaluating sponsorship approach in sports: Shift focus from competition results to building trust and goodwill with audiences, prioritize fair labor practices and authenticity in athlete partnerships
The current system in track and field creates a win-at-all-cost culture, which can lead to unethical behavior. Athletes often face disparities in contracts due to factors beyond performance, leaving them with little agency. The lack of transparency and the focus on competition rather than fair compensation can create a culture where some athletes are underpaid while others thrive. It's essential to reevaluate the sponsorship approach in sports, shifting the focus from traditional metrics like competition results to building trust and goodwill with audiences. In a social media era, where athletes have a direct line to their fans, authenticity and relatability matter more than podium finishes. Investing in quality resources, like a Birch mattress, which prioritizes comfort, sustainability, and fair labor practices, is an investment in one's overall well-being. Similarly, exploring resources like the Waking Up app, which offers a wealth of mindfulness tools and courses, can be a valuable investment in personal growth.
Supporting athletes beyond athletic performance: Brands can foster stronger athlete loyalty and resonate with a wider audience by treating athletes as individuals with diverse skills and focusing on their lifestyles, rather than just their athletic performance.
The traditional athlete-brand relationship needs to evolve to better support and value athletes beyond their athletic performance. The speaker's experience with Tracksmith, where they are encouraged to develop career skills and not just perform as an athlete, is an example of a more sustainable and supportive model. Brands like Solomon, North Face, and those in the climbing world have been successful in this approach, treating athletes as more than just products and focusing on their lifestyles. This approach can lead to stronger brand loyalty and resonate with a larger audience of everyday athletes. By adopting a more holistic approach to athlete-brand relationships, sports can learn from the success of lifestyle sports and better support their athletes both personally and professionally.
The unique community aspect of running: Running offers a supportive and inclusive environment where athletes of all levels train and compete together, fostering personal growth and goal achievement.
Accessibility and community are key components of inspiring and supporting individuals in their fitness journeys. Unlike traditional professional sports, the running community offers a unique opportunity for connection and inclusivity, where even Olympic champions can train and compete alongside everyday runners. This relationship-building aspect sets running apart from other sports and creates a supportive environment for individuals to improve and reach their goals. The name Atalanta, inspired by the Greek myth of the fastest human being, embodies this spirit of empowering and celebrating human athletes, regardless of their level of achievement. Additionally, the nonprofit status of Atalanta's elite running team further emphasizes its commitment to fostering a community that supports and uplifts its members.
New nonprofit athletic organization provides employment for athletes and community outreach: A new nonprofit hires professional athletes as employees, focusing on community outreach and mentoring younger athletes, creating full-time opportunities for career skills and training.
The founder of a new nonprofit athletic organization is creating a unique model where professional athletes will be paid employees, while also focusing on community outreach and mentoring younger athletes. The nonprofit, which is not just named as such but also operates as one, aims to provide full-time employment opportunities for athletes, allowing them to build career skills and train, all while giving back to the community. The founder's goal is to help not only elite athletes but also those who may have been left behind in terms of programming. The organization plans to establish programs in parks where such initiatives don't currently exist, providing after-school and weekend activities with two mentors and two athletes from the team. The nonprofit, which started incorporating in late 2020, plans to recruit primarily NCAA athletes, with a focus on women who are excited about giving back and developing mentorship skills. The founder's vision is to create a strong foundation for the nonprofit, ensuring its longevity beyond her running career.
Using sports as a force for good: Young athletes seek purpose beyond personal achievements, inspired by those who give back. New pro running team in NYC provides a platform for athletes and community, funded by sponsors and donations.
Young athletes and activists are increasingly looking for meaning and purpose beyond personal achievements. They are inspired by those who use their platforms to give back and make a positive impact on the world. The creation of professional sports teams that support this ethos, such as the new professional running team in New York City, can provide a valuable platform for both athletes and the broader community. This approach not only benefits the individuals involved but also helps to drive excitement and engagement in the sport. The team's funding comes from a variety of sources, including apparel sponsors like Tracksmith and donations, making it a sustainable and community-driven venture. Overall, this initiative represents a powerful shift towards using sports as a force for good and inspiring the next generation to do the same.
Male-dominated paradigm in sports leads to health issues for female athletes: Failure to account for women's unique physical and developmental differences in sports training can lead to serious health issues, including bone loss and reproductive health problems.
The needs of female athletes in training differ significantly from those of male athletes, and failing to account for these differences can lead to serious health issues. This was highlighted in the discussion about the experiences of a female athlete who suffered from disordered eating, menstrual dysfunction, and multiple stress fractures due to her training regimen. The root cause of these issues was identified as the male-dominated paradigm in sports, which assumes that women's bodies adapt and change in the same way as men's. This assumption can lead to expectations for women to maintain a certain weight and train as hard as men, regardless of the impact on their bodies. The solution to this problem is to staff sports teams with women coaches and women's psychology experts who can provide appropriate support and adjust training programs to account for the unique physical and developmental differences in female athletes. Failure to do so can result in serious health consequences, including bone loss and reproductive health issues.
Creating an inclusive and diverse coaching and support staff environment: Prioritize education, self-awareness, positive language, and respect to foster a culture of empathy and better outcomes for athletes. Avoid arbitrary weight goals and negative behaviors.
Creating an inclusive and diverse coaching and support staff environment is crucial for the well-being and performance of athletes. Biological and psychological differences exist, and understanding these differences and fostering a culture of empathy and education can lead to better outcomes. Coaches and support staff should prioritize their own education and self-awareness, working with professionals such as registered dietitians and therapists, and encouraging athletes to do the same. The language around food, weight, and body inclusivity should be positive and supportive. Coaches should avoid giving arbitrary weight goals and instead focus on directing athletes to the appropriate resources. Additionally, creating a culture of respect and positivity is essential, avoiding negative behaviors like bullying and creating a culture of fear. The importance of this extends beyond gender and includes promoting diversity in all aspects.
Ignoring mental health struggles can worsen situation: Coaches and staff must recognize signs of distress and provide appropriate resources and support to student-athletes expressing mental health concerns, as dismissing or ignoring their struggles can lead to devastating consequences.
The lack of appropriate response from coaches and staff during moments of distress can significantly worsen the situation for student-athletes dealing with mental health issues. The story shared highlights the regret and pain felt by the speaker when they were dismissed and not provided the help they desperately needed during their time of crisis. It's crucial for coaches and support staff to recognize the signs of distress and intervene with the right resources and support when students express their struggles. Ignoring or dismissing their concerns can lead to devastating consequences, including further deterioration of mental health and even suicidal thoughts. It's essential to prioritize the well-being of student-athletes and create a safe and supportive environment where they feel comfortable seeking help without fear of judgment or reprisal.
SafeSport: Crucial for athletes and those working with them: SafeSport certification is essential for adults working with athletes to prevent inappropriate relationships, mental health issues, and doping. Parents should also be certified. Unhealthy behaviors may not always be obvious, and vigilance is key.
The importance of SafeSport certification and education cannot be overstated, especially for individuals working with athletes. The Nike Oregon Project, as an elite track and field situation, should have been a leader in implementing these measures, but lapses were evident. SafeSport extends beyond sexual abuse and doping to include mental health situations and creating inappropriate relationships with athletes. These relationships can be intoxicating for young athletes, making it crucial for adults to maintain appropriate boundaries. Parents and athletes alike should be SafeSport certified to understand what is and isn't acceptable behavior. Additionally, it's essential to recognize that unhealthy behaviors may not always be apparent, and athletes may feel pressured to comply with their coaches. The case of Alberto Salazar, who is banned by both SafeSport and USADA, highlights the need for increased awareness and vigilance.
Pressure to Perform in Sports and Blurred Lines: Athletes may face pressure to use weight loss meds and doping, but it's crucial to prioritize health and seek trusted resources for evidence-based insights and practical tools.
The pressure to perform in competitive sports can lead to blurred lines between what is acceptable and what is not, particularly when it comes to issues like weight and doping. The speaker shares her experience of being pressured to take weight loss medication and other substances, despite her reservations. She also discusses the importance of having trusted resources, like friends and experts, to help navigate the complex and often confusing world of health information. The podcasts "The Conversation" and "The Proof" are mentioned as valuable sources for evidence-based insights and practical tools for better well-being. Ultimately, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being conscious and standing firm in one's beliefs, even in the face of peer pressure.
The Consequences of Pushing Beyond Healthy Limits: Pressure to perform at any cost can lead to harmful consequences, including unethical behavior and damage to one's health. It's essential to prioritize ethics and health over performance.
The pressure to perform at any cost, even if it means stepping on others or engaging in unethical behavior, can lead to harmful consequences. This was evident in the case of the Nike Oregon Project, where athletes were reportedly encouraged to use performance-enhancing drugs and push their bodies beyond healthy limits. The speaker's personal experience of being part of this culture led her to feel embarrassed and betrayed when her parents discovered her self-harming, ultimately leading her to leave the team. However, even after leaving, she continued to be affected by the damage inflicted on her body due to years of pushing herself too hard. The revelation of the USADA report and the subsequent ban of Alberto Salazar was a wake-up call for the speaker and many others, highlighting the importance of prioritizing health and ethics over performance. Society should not condone such behavior, and it is crucial for individuals to speak out against unhealthy and unethical practices in sports or any other field.
Former runner Mary Cain shares her story of emotional and physical abuse by coach Alberto Salazar: Athletic abuse can leave athletes feeling betrayed, powerless, and unsure of their own reality, with long-lasting impacts on mental and emotional well-being.
The experience of athletic abuse can be devastating and long-lasting, often leaving athletes feeling betrayed, powerless, and unsure of their own reality. Mary Cain, a former professional runner, shared her story of emotional and physical abuse at the hands of her coach, Alberto Salazar. When the USADA report revealing Salazar's doping violations came out, Cain was hit with a wave of emotions, realizing she had been lied to and emotionally abused. This realization was both terrifying and empowering, shattering the illusion she had held onto for years. The abuse explained her disappearance from the athletic scene and her desire to return to the team. The report came out at the same time as Salazar's ban, making for a difficult and uncertain time for Cain. Throughout her ordeal, she continued to receive financial support from Nike, adding to her confusion and feelings of helplessness. Cain's story highlights the insidious nature of athletic abuse and the long-term impact it can have on an athlete's mental and emotional well-being.
Labeled as a product, athlete questions societal norms: Athlete's experience of being labeled as a product led her to question societal norms, recognize harmful behaviors, and find power in speaking up against injustice.
The athlete's experience of being labeled as a "product" rather than a person by someone in authority led her to question societal norms and her own trust in authority. After the truth about her situation came to light, she realized the extent of the normalization of harmful behaviors and felt compelled to share her story publicly to help others. From her experience, she learned to be more skeptical and less trusting, and recognized the power in speaking up against injustice. Despite the initial fear and uncertainty, she found that sharing her story resonated with many people and brought about a sense of validation and connection.
Vulnerability and courage leading to change: Speaking up despite fear can inspire change and protect future generations, even in the face of powerful opposition.
Vulnerability and courage can lead to significant change, even in the face of powerful opposition. The speaker, an athlete who shared her experiences of abuse in the running world, spoke about the fear that drove her to come forward and the impact it had on her and others. She noted that the fear was not just about personal repercussions but about helping others and protecting the younger version of herself. The speaker also emphasized that this issue goes beyond sports and is about powerful people taking advantage of those with less power. Despite the risks, she encouraged others to speak up and share their stories, as her experience showed that it could reach and help many people. The speaker's vulnerability and courage inspired others to take action and led to a powerful outcome.
USADA Salazar Scandal: A Series of Events: The USADA Salazar scandal led to the shutdown of the Oregon Project, Nike CEO resignation, and investigations into disordered eating and athlete welfare.
The USADA Salazar scandal, which came to light in September 2019, led to a rapid series of events including the shutdown of the Oregon Project, the resignation of Nike CEO Mark Parker, and investigations into athletes who had trained with Salazar. The scandal gained significant attention when a video was released on November 7th, detailing the experiences of an athlete who had struggled with disordered eating while training under Salazar. The athlete, who had seen the video beforehand, was surprised by the attention it received and the subsequent media frenzy. Despite the challenges, she was able to use the experience to seek help for her PTSD and disordered eating. The scandal highlighted the importance of addressing athlete welfare and the need for a third-party investigation into Nike's handling of the situation.
The Power of Unexpected Support: Mary Cain's journey shows the importance of surrounding yourself with positive, supportive people and leaning on them when needed, especially during mental health challenges in athletics.
During her athletic career, Mary Cain experienced unexpected challenges and found unexpected support from unexpected sources. When she was struggling with mental health issues, her brother's agent, Wes, and another athlete, Alexi, stepped in to help. This was a stark contrast to the typical team dynamic she was used to, where she felt she had to tough it out alone. The outpouring of support from teammates and strangers after she shared her story was also a powerful reminder of the importance of community and camaraderie in sport. Cain learned that it's essential to surround herself with positive, supportive people and to lean on them when needed. This experience has influenced her approach to creating her own team and has taught her the value of vulnerability and openness. Overall, Cain's story highlights the power of human connection and the importance of prioritizing mental health and well-being in athletics.
Personal experiences and advocacy for change: Sharing personal stories can inspire change and highlight underlying issues. Learning, self-improvement, and empathy are essential for effective mentoring and advocacy. Acknowledge and challenge systemic problems for meaningful progress.
Sharing personal experiences and speaking out against systemic issues can lead to positive change. The interviewee's story of facing adversity in the world of running and her determination to address the underlying issues is inspiring. She emphasizes the importance of learning, self-improvement, and empathy in order to effectively mentor and advocate for others. The success of her advocacy efforts, such as the Trachsmith Partnership and Atlanta project, demonstrate the power of staying focused on the present and appreciating small progress. Additionally, she highlights the need to acknowledge and challenge the systemic problems that contribute to individuals' experiences, rather than solely focusing on individual narratives.
Nike's past handling of allegations raises questions: Nike needs transparency, accountability, and third-party investigations to address past mistreatment of female athletes and regain public trust.
Nike's handling of past allegations of mistreatment and lack of support for female athletes raises questions about the company's commitment to genuine change. Despite internal investigations and public displays of support for women, there seems to be a lack of transparency and accountability. The absence of a third-party investigation and the reported threats to employees who spoke out add to the concerns. For Nike to truly address these issues and regain public trust, it's crucial for the company to take concrete steps, acknowledge past mistakes, and be open about the changes they are making. The potential for positive storytelling and brand enhancement through genuine action is significant.
An athlete's determination to make a difference: An athlete, despite adversity and loss of competition, can make a meaningful impact by advocating for change and empowering future generations.
Even in the face of adversity and the loss of a dream, an athlete can still make a meaningful impact on their sport and empower future generations. The discussion highlighted the case of an athlete who, despite ongoing investigations and a ban from competition, has found purpose in advocating for change and ensuring a safer and more empowered future for girls and women in sports. The athlete's determination to make a difference, backed by the support of Nike and other athletes, demonstrates the importance of standing up for what is right and striving for a greater goal beyond personal achievements. The athlete's journey also underscores the importance of accepting change and redefining dreams when circumstances demand it.
Explore Atlanta further through social media channels: Follow Mary Kane on Instagram or Atlanta's own account for updates, and subscribe to Rich Roll's newsletter for podcast and resource information.
Atlanta can be explored further by the public through their social media channels. The podcast guest mentioned that her personal account, run under the name Mary Kane, as well as Atlanta's own Instagram account, are great places to start. For those who may have difficulty remembering the exact handle, Atlanta is also based in New York City, which could serve as a helpful clue. To keep updated on the podcast and related resources, listeners are encouraged to subscribe to the newsletter on richroll.com. The podcast is produced and engineered by Jason Camiolo, with video editions created by Blake Curtis, portraits by Ali Rogers and Davey Greenberg, graphic elements courtesy of Jessica Miranda, copywriting by Georgia Whaley, and theme music created by Tyler Pyatt, Trapper Pyatt, and Harry Mathis. Rich Roll, the podcast host, can be found on Instagram and Twitter at richroll, and he appreciates the support from his listeners.
