166: How do the elite develop well-being? with Lisa Trainor

In this episode of the Supporting Champions Podcast, I’m joined by Lisa Trainor – a former varsity athlete turned researcher – to explore the evolving landscape of athlete well-being. Drawing from her own experiences and her academic work, Lisa discusses how injury and major disruptions like the postponement of the Tokyo Games can influence an athlete’s psychological state. She offers insight into the distinction between hedonic (feeling good) and eudaemonic (functioning well and finding purpose) well-being, and how each contributes to sustainable elite performance.

We unpack key themes including the importance of psychological safety, the value of self-confidence and identity in sport, and how athletes can remain fulfilled even when faced with setbacks. Lisa provides a compelling case for redefining success beyond medals and rankings – encouraging us to view thriving and performance not as opposites, but as intertwined outcomes of a well-supported sporting experience.

🔍 Key Takeaways:
✅ Well-being isn’t just about feeling good—it’s about functioning meaningfully.
✅ Injury and disruption can offer valuable moments for reflection and growth.
✅ Athletes may perform without well-being, but it’s not sustainable long-term.
✅ Psychological safety is a foundational component of thriving environments.
✅ Pursuing purpose and personal agency is central to eudaemonic well-being.

📌 Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Background of Lisa Trainor
03:06 Injury, Well-Being, and Athlete Support
05:53 Coping with the Tokyo Games Postponement
08:49 Understanding Well-Being: Hedonic vs. Eudaemonic Perspectives
11:45 The Role of Well-Being in Elite Athlete Performance
15:03 Exploring Athlete Well-Being Components
17:59 The Interplay of Eudaemonia and Hedonia in Sport
21:00 Research Insights on Athlete Well-Being
23:55 Conclusion and Practical Applications
35:49 Understanding Athlete Well-Being
42:13 The Role of Performance in Well-Being
50:51 Purpose and Fulfillment in Sport
57:09 Psychological Safety and Relationships
01:05:21 Developing Eudaemonic Well-Being

🎧 Whether you’re an athlete, coach, psychologist, or someone passionate about high performance and mental health, this conversation with Lisa offers rich insight into the deeper layers of what it means to thrive in sport.

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#AthleteWellbeing #SportsPsychology #MentalHealth #Eudaemonia #HighPerformance #SupportingChampions