#49 - Why 3X Olympic Medals Can Feel Like Failing with Katie Hoff

Hoff has been called "The female Michael Phelps." Former American Olympian, she is multiple Olympic medalists and previously held world records in both the 200-meter and 400-meter individual medley.

She competed in the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games, winning silver medals at both. Katie is best known for her individual medley, and she holds the current American record for the 400-meter individual medley and previously held the American records for the 200 individual medley, 200 freestyle, and 400 freestyle.

In July 2014, Katie experienced a sharp pain in her chest and sides, which forced her to withdraw from the National Championship. She initially had been diagnosed with a muscle strain and asthma when a CAT scan revealed two blood clots in her lung.

Due to the buildup of scar tissue in her lung caused by the blood clots, Katie officially announced her retirement from swimming in 2015.

Hoff said being compared to Phelps was an honor – which she didn't discourage at the time because it made her feel special. By not winning any gold medals, though, "the way that it framed my 2008 Olympic Games was in a negative light," Hoff said.

"Looking back, it wasn't the best meet of my life, but it was a solid meet, so that was a hard pill to swallow. Hoff explains that "Eight gold medals wasn't in her blueprint, as much as she wishes it was.."

At the end of the day, Katie says she is in a much better place now and has peace. She's also found a career doing motivational speaking, which she loves. Katie brings the energy and charisma you associate with an elite athlete - coupled with the friendly charm and straight talk of a good friend.

She spent fifteen years relentlessly driving her own performance in competitive swimming from local star to national darling to international champion in her sport.

What does it take? Katie will tell you.

Please help me welcome to the We Do Hard Things Podcast, Katie Hoff.

Hey there, I'm Mark Drager. You may not know me (yet) but:

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