Listen "142: Rachel Lewis: "Why Can’t We Dream Bigger?" – Olympic Sacrifice, Identity, and Life After Sport"
Episode Synopsis
Send us a textWhat happens when the roar of the crowd fades and the Olympic dream becomes a memory? For Rachel Lewis, the transition from elite athlete to "what’s next?" wasn’t just a career shift—it was an identity crisis, a financial struggle, and ultimately, a mission to change the game for future athletes.In this raw and inspiring conversation, Rachel opens up about:Writing "Olympic volleyball player" in her yearbook at 15—before she even knew how to play the sport.Training with boys, living in fire stations, and riding bikes to fundraise—just to keep her Olympic dream alive.The brutal reality of professional sports vs. elite competition—and why she felt like a "commodity" in Europe’s leagues.The moment her team "ceased to exist" after London 2012—and how she grappled with losing her purpose overnight.Hiding behind a "cape" in her post-sport career—why she buried her Olympic past to fit into corporate life.Her mission today—helping athletes avoid the pitfalls she faced by building fulfilling lives beyond the podium.This isn’t just a sports story. It’s about reinvention, resilience, and the uncomfortable truth: most athletes aren’t prepared for life after the final whistle.🎧 Why You Should Listen:If you’ve ever felt lost after a major life change—Rachel’s journey from "Who am I now?" to empowerment is a masterclass in self-discovery.For athletes (or anyone) fearing transition—her hard-won advice on planning, curiosity, and asking for help is gold.Behind-the-scenes of elite sport—the untold sacrifices, the politics of funding, and what really happens when the uniforms are packed away.A wake-up call for the sports industry—why Rachel is fighting to fix a "broken system" that leaves athletes adrift. Where to Find Rachel:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-lewis-972257162/Ready to explore your own second act after sport? Connect with Ryan Gonsalves and the 2NDWind Academy to discover how your athletic experience can become your professional advantage here: www.2ndwind.io
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