How Did Alyssa and Haley Anderson Make the Olympics Together and Overcome Imposter Syndrome?
The Recap
Sam welcomes to the podcast two very special guests, Olympic swimmers and sisters, Alyssa and Haley Anderson. Alyssa became an Olympic gold medalist in 2012, and Haley was one of the first USA athletes who qualified for the upcoming Olympics Games in Tokyo for 2020. This will mark Haley’s third Olympic Games. Haley’s already won an Olympic silver medal in 2012 and was the first American to earn a medal in open water swimming. In this episode, Sam, Alyssa and Haley discuss the culture of USA Swimming, the mindset required to be a successful Olympian, and the power of resiliency. Alyssa and Haley break down the difference between open water and pool swimming competitions as well as how they get pumped up before big races. Finally, Alyssa and Haley talk about Imposter Syndrome and the importance of overcoming your own self-doubts to achieve greatness.
Episode Highlights
01:07 – Introducing today’s guests, Anderson and Anderson
01:32 – Sam takes a moment to thank her sponsor, Tumbl Trak and Right Rice
02:45 – Sam, Alyssa and Haley share their first memories of each other
04:29 – Alyssa and Haley talk about their upbringing and childhood
09:40 – How Alyssa and Haley got involved in swimming
14:40 – The moment Alyssa and Haley had aspirations to compete at the Olympics
16:39 – The process of making the USA National Team for Swimming
18:48 – The culture of USA Swimming
19:54 – Alyssa and Haley discuss the differences between open water and pool swimming events
26:25 – Alyssa and Haley speak to their training regiments
29:14 – Sam takes a moment to thank her sponsors Tumbl Trak and Right Rice
30:16 – What keeps Alyssa and Haley motivated
33:19 – Alyssa and Haley discuss their mental and physical pre-race routines
36:33 – How Alyssa and Haley get fired up before a big race
39:59 – The importance of resilience
40:49 – How Alyssa and Haley celebrated making the Olympics together
42:01 – Alyssa and Haley recall their favorite non-swimming memories from the 2012 Olympic Games
45:02 – Alyssa and Haley speak to the reasons for their Olympic success
47:41 – The emotional come down from the Olympic Games
52:10 – Haley talks about her experience during the 2016 Olympic Games
54:07 – Imposter Syndrome
56:48 – Alyssa and Haley speak to their thoughts on confidence
59:58 – Stay in your lane
1:06:22 – How Alyssa and Haley define confidence
1:14:20 – Plans for post-retirement
1:16:34 – Alyssa and Haley reveal one thing people can do to get 1% better each day
1:19:47 – Sam thanks Alyssa and Haley for joining the show
Tweetable Quotes
Links Mentioned
Right Rice – Use the code ‘20SAMGYMNAST’ for a 20% discount
Tumbl Trak: Gymnastic, Cheer, Dance, Martial Arts and Special Needs Equipment
Connect with Sam
Win the Day with Olivia Karas – Season 2 Episode 13
Transparency and the Future of USA Gymnastics with Chellsie Memmel – Bonus Episode 2
