People I (Mostly) Admire 12. Sue Bird: “You Have to Pay the Superstars.”
Jan 23, 2021
Sue Bird, one of basketball's all-time greats, shares her insights on the game and the fight for gender equality in sports. She discusses the stark pay gap between NBA and WNBA players, stressing the importance of valuing female athletes. Bird also opens up about the pressure of high-stakes competition, her journey with injuries, and the significance of mental health in sports. Plus, she reflects on her role as part of a groundbreaking couple in ESPN's Body Issue, embodying authenticity in both sports and personal life.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Early Potential, Grounded Approach
- Sue Bird started realizing her basketball potential in middle school when colleges began recruiting her.
- However, her father's brutal honesty kept her grounded and focused on continuous improvement.
The Power of Believing You Can Learn
- Overconfidence can be beneficial when it's about believing in one's ability to learn and improve.
- Encourage kids by emphasizing their potential for growth rather than praising current abilities.
Smart Practice
- Sue Bird prioritizes "smart practice," focusing on efficiency and avoiding wasted energy.
- She tailors her training to her age and physical condition, incorporating pool workouts, spinning and game analysis.