

Olympian Caroline Burckle On The Power Of Vulnerability
Dec 14, 2020
Caroline Burckle, an Olympic medalist swimmer and 23-time All-American, shares her transformative journey beyond the pool. She candidly discusses her battle with depression and the importance of vulnerability for personal growth. From navigating identity after the Olympics to confronting trauma within her athletic career, Caroline emphasizes the significance of mental health and self-acceptance. Her mission now focuses on mentoring the next generation of Olympians, advocating for healthier, more supportive athletic environments.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Early Success and Fear of Winning
- Caroline Burckle, a natural swimmer, qualified for Junior Nationals at 13 but chose not to go.
- She felt fear, not of failure, but of not pleasing others and prioritized fitting in over winning.
College Recruitment and Sophomore Slump
- Burckle's college recruitment led her to choose Florida to train with men, believing their energy and pace aligned with her 200-free goals.
- Her freshman year was successful, but sophomore year brought pressure, weight concerns, an unhealthy relationship, and overtraining, leading to poor performance.
Overcoming Guilt and Finding Her Stride
- Burckle felt guilty for not training as intensely as others while dealing with trauma.
- A pivotal conversation with Coach Troy about her training needs, focusing on tempo work and visualization, led to a breakthrough.