In today’s episode of the podcast, we’re continuing with a special series where we step outside the world of running and hear from athletes in other sports. Normally, you tune in for interviews with professional and everyday runners, but today, we’re joined by mountain biker and Olympian, Savilia Blunk. Savilia is an eight-time national champion and recently competed in the Paris Olympics, where she placed 12th.

During our conversation, we discuss what it’s like to reach the pinnacle of the sport—making the Olympic team—and what it feels like to walk away from a race with both triumphs and disappointments. Savilia opens up about how she’s moving forward in her training after the Olympics and how she’s approaching her next steps as an elite athlete.

What I love most about this series is the opportunity to view the world of sport through the eyes of athletes who excel in disciplines outside of running. There’s so much we can learn from them, particularly when it comes to developing a champion’s mindset. Whether they’re on a bike, in a rowing boat, scaling a rock wall, or spiking a volleyball, these athletes are tackling their own challenges and bringing invaluable insights to the table.

We’ve had the privilege of speaking with some incredible athletes in this series, and I encourage you to check out the other interviews, which will be linked in the show notes. Even though we’re talking about different sports, there’s a lot of crossover, especially in the mental aspects of training, and I think you’ll find the episodes just as engaging as this one.

For me personally, as a parent, these conversations are a great opportunity to reflect on how I can encourage my own kids to be hard workers and to take pride in all the things they care about. As I mention in this episode, it’s a delicate balance—teaching kids to push themselves, work hard, and strive for excellence, while also allowing them the freedom to explore and enjoy what they do. Moving our bodies should be fun, and hard work can be, too.

If you’re enjoying this series, or know someone who might appreciate hearing from athletes outside of the running world, please share the episode with them. The best way to support the podcast is by leaving a rating or review on iTunes or wherever you listen. Thank you for being here, and I hope you enjoy my conversation with Savilia Blunk!

What we talked about:

4:30- Savilia’s introduction to the sport

12:05- Learning how to work hard

15:10- How she is feeling coming off of the Olympics

27:15- Bike maintenance

29:35- When she plans to get married

30:20- The moment that she qualified for the Olympics and how the qualification system works

39:30- How cross country mountain biking works and what the course is like

47:10- The technical side of the sport

49:50- Mindset while competing

52:00- End of podcast questions

Show notes:

All Fours

Trips for Kids – nonprofit organization

Other athletes in this series:

Episode 567 with Kristen Faulkner

Episode 570 with Kendall Chase

Episode 571 with Jennifer Lozano

Episode 573 with Sophie Bukovec

Episode 575 with Piper Kelly

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