Simon Whitfield And Andrew MacNaughton: Reflections On An Evolved Approach To Training

Oct 28, 2022

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I am outnumbered 2-to-1 by Canadians in this episode as Olympic gold and silver medalist Simon Whitfield joins me and my co-host Andrew MacNaughton for a conversation about pursuing goals, changing our mindset towards success, and training.

In this episode, Simon talks about the most important things he has learned from his long career at the top of the sport, sharing some of the most unique memories and important perspective shifts he has experienced, like his incredible victory in the inaugural Olympic triathlon in Sydney, Australia in 2000. Simon is such a thoughtful and introspective guest to listen to, and he offers many sharp insights that are applicable to both peak performance goals as well as life goals in general. Simon’s way of thinking is: “If you love your pursuits, you’ll find a way to success. If you succumb to your fears and insecurities, your results will suffer accordingly.” You’ll enjoy hearing Simon’s refreshing honesty in this show as he delves into the problems that come with drifting into a prima donna perspective, the importance of recalibrating to focus on the journey, and what changes when you have a strong and authentic support team. “Hard truths come with sharp edges, but they are the source of the greatest learning,” Simon says. He also talks about some fun, recent life events, like his epic standup paddling adventures in Victoria.

Enjoy this revealing and impactful episode with triathlon’s most thoughtful coach, Andrew MacNaughton, and most thoughtful elite athlete, Simon Whitfield.

TIMESTAMPS:

Simon Whitfield had an amazing gold medal showing at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney Australia. [00:27]

Triathlon is high intensity macho contest which takes a certain mindset. [03:12]

Amazingly, after Simon crashed during the bike ride in the Olympics, her remained calm. He talks about his thoughts at that time. [09:22]

When Simon was adjacent to the leader, Vokovich, and Vukovich pulled ahead, Simon’s body language changed. [15:36]

People need to celebrate what they get, not what they didn’t get. [19:58]

How did Simon’s life change after he won the Olympic gold? He does mentor some younger athletes and spent time reconnecting with family. [21:20]

After spending time away from the sport is feels good to reconnect with the young newcomers to the sport and remember how it was for you loving and training for your career. [26:31]

Sometimes it is important for someone to tell you the hard truth. [31:05]

Team and training partners are very important in so many ways. It is easy to self-sabotage. [33:53]

The playfulness and bantering with other athletes help to keep you level headed. [37:45]

Simon is coached by his 80-year-old self. Paddleboarding in the ocean is his best pastime. [41:17]

An athlete has to understand the math to be aware of where they are as well as the competitors. [50:48]

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