How Did David Boudia Become an Olympic Gold Medalist, Deal with the Post-Olympic Blues, and Still Have it in Him to Pursue Tokyo?
The Recap
Sam welcomes three-time Olympian and four-time Olympic medalist, David Boudia. Perhaps the most impressive of David’s Olympic accolades, he was the first American male diver to win Olympic diving gold in the ten-meter platform competition since Greg Louganis in 1988. David has competed in the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games and plans to compete yet again at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
In this episode, David and Sam discuss fears, obstacles, and other challenges David had to overcome on his Olympic journey. They share some stories from their experiences at the Olympic village. David opens up about how his mindset and attitudes matured throughout his Olympic experience and humbled him to a new level. Finally, David talks about his goals for 2020 and beyond, including his desire to remain in Lafayette, Indiana and pursue a coaching career at Purdue University.
Episode Highlights
01:07 – Introducing today’s guest, David Boudia
01:36 – Sam takes a moment to thank her sponsor, Tumbl Trak and Right Rice
02:28 – Sam and David share their first memories of each other
05:34 – David speaks to his childhood and his dream to be an Olympian
08:06 – Nature vs. nurture
09:36 – The age when David knew he could be an Olympic diver
11:35 – How David overcame fear as a diver
16:19 – Other obstacles and challenges David had to overcome throughout his career
17:37 – The emotional memory of making the Olympic Games in 2008
19:09 – David reminisces on getting to the Olympic Games at a very young age
21:58 – Memories from the Olympic village
26:48 – Lessons David learned from his first Olympic Games
27:57 – The Olympic come down
31:08 – Sam takes a moment to thank her sponsors Tumbl Trak and Right Rice
32:11 – Winning gold at the London Olympic Games in 2012
35:56 – How David approached his professional diving career after the 2012 Olympics
36:55 – How winning medals in 2016 differed from winning gold in 2012
39:29 – David talks about his book, Greater Than Gold
41:01 – David opens up about his mindset between the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games
43:49 – What kept Sam from pursuing another Olympic Games
46:40 – The decision to retire from platform diving and moving to spring board diving
49:48 – The process of qualifying for the 2020 Olympics
52:14 – David’s goals for 2020 and what he hopes to accomplish during the remainder of his career
55:10 – The number one lesson that Sam and David have learned from their respective careers
58:39 – David speaks to his drive and ambition as an elite athlete
1:00:03 – How David defines confidence
1:03:05 – David talks about his real estate career
1:05:36 – David’s plans for post-retirement
1:08:39 – David answers some fan questions
1:11:53 – David reveals one thing people can do to get 1% better each day
1:12:34 – Sam thanks David 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
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Transparency and the Future of USA Gymnastics with Chellsie Memmel – Bonus Episode 2
