Olympic Gold Medalist Dan Jansen ON Navigating Tragedy, Speed Skating & The Power of Self-Belief

In this episode of The Victory Degree Podcast, Nik sits down with Dan Jansen, a  four-time Olympian, seven-time World Cup Champion, and Olympic gold medalist in speed skating. Dan's story starts in Wisconsin, where he quickly picked up the sport of speed skating and set world records at the age of 16. However, tragedy struck Dan and his family as his beloved sister, Jane, tragically passed away right before the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary. Dan contemplated retiring but decided to keep competing as that's what his sister would have wanted him to do. Dan's performance in the 1988 & 1992 Winter Olympics earned him the nickname "Heartbreak Kid" as Dan often times slipped during his races and finished with sub-par results. However, with the support of an entire country, including President Reagan, Dan triumphed at the 1994 Olympics, winning a gold medal and setting a new world record in what would be his final race. Dan Jansen's story has inspired and touched the hearts of millions of Americans, and I hope it inspires you today as you navigate your own journey. 

Please Enjoy!

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Dan's Childhood

(01:49) Lessons Learned From Siblings

(03:58) Balancing Confidence and Humility

(06:31) Dan's Role Models Growing Up & Finding Speed Skating

(09:39) Setting World Records at 16

(10:27) What Does a Speed Skating Practice Look Like?

(14:12) What Was Dan's Motivation to Become the Best?

(17:32) Dreaming of the Olympics

(18:51) First Impressions of the Olympics

(22:06) Preparing for the 88' Olympics

(26:19) How Dan Dealt With the Tragic Passing of his Sister

(34:15) Debating Retirement

(39:41) Meeting Ronald Reagan and White House Visit

(42:36) The Influence of Peter Mueller & Dr. Jim Loehr and the Power of Self-Belief

(49:17) Visualizing Success

(52:41) Advice for Young Athletes

(54:54) The Emotions of Winning Gold

(57:09) The Pressure of Winning

(01:00:30) What Speed Skating Has Taught Dan About Life

(01:02:49) Would You Rather Have a 1 Minute Conversation With Your Past Self or Future Self?

(01:05:12) Dan's Life Advice

Connect with Dan Jansen:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/danjansen94

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danjansen1994/

Dan Jansen Foundation: https://www.djfoundation.org/

Connect with Nik:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_Atanackovic