Redefining What It Means to Be a Champion

In Episode 13 of In Deep with Olivia Smoliga, Olivia reflects on how her definition of success has evolved—from winning at all costs to cultivating a life rooted in curiosity, autonomy, and self-trust. This episode dives into the often unspoken realities of burnout, resentment, and loss of identity that many athletes experience when they silence their inner voice and follow rigid, outdated ideas of what it means to be a champion.

Through insights from sports psychology, neuroscience, and lived experience, Olivia explains why learning new skills, taking risks, and building joy outside of sport are essential—not optional—for long-term growth. Listeners are encouraged to reconnect with intrinsic motivation, embrace recalibration instead of perfection, and redefine greatness as who you become along the way, not just what you achieve.

Listen to the episode below!