Here we are in a new year and new decade. And Hear Her Sports is one month into its fourth year. I just can’t believe it. Talking to such amazing women keeps me motivated and energized and I hope you as well. It’s also an honor to be part of a growing movement of women in sport speaking up loudly about their power. Megan Rapinoe and all the USWST players are on the front line but there are so many more of us at all levels doing similar work. There are lots of changes coming in the next year or so and still lots of necessary improvements to achieve.
In last week's main episode I spoke with offshore sailor Hannah Stodel, 3 time World Champion and 4 time Paralympian.
Hannah was born without a lower right arm. At 15, she started competing, with her eyes on the Paralympics. Now she is preparing for the Vendee Globe, an incredible, solo around the world race. Hannah talks about love of sailing, confidence, her studied preparations for the Vendee, unicorn duct tape 🦄 and chocolate.
Racing the Vendee Globe is Hannah’s big long-term goal. What that means is three to four months on a 60-foot boat completely solo without ever stopping to restock or feel land. In the episode we talk about how stunning this sounds (and is!). Hannah wants to finish the race in order to challenge perceptions of what is possible. Of course, there are challenges, like how to adapt the boat and sails to function smoothly and safety using only one arm and what food to pack for so many days. Not to give anything away, but, Hannah’s method of getting completely and confidently ready for this epic event reminds me of the equally methodical training of rock climber Alex Honnold as he prepared to free solo El Capitan.
This is the third episode in a row where my guest says that surrounding herself with good people is vital. Each one VERY specifically says exactly that and explains how her supporters fuel her. For Lia Neal it’s her teammates who inspire her to race hard. For Jessica Berman it’s people she’s collected since high school, and for Hannah it’s advisors who keep her tough in moments of doubt.
Hannah’s conversation is a great companion to Jessica’s. I love what each said about realizing that other incredible people have doubts.
IF YOU LIKE THESE EPISODES, try these:
🎤 Ep66, Elana Meyers Taylor, President Women’s Sports Foundation. Listen Here.
🎤 Ep48, Sophie Calabrese, who also talks about recruitment. Listen Here.
🎤 Ep18, Megan Jastrab, a young cyclist. Listen Here.
🎤 Ep59, Naya Tapper, in the weight room all year. Listen Here.
I'M READING (WATCHING) NOW
✶ Popularity of volleyball for young players.
✶ Let's design bike saddles for women because what's on offer is painful.
✶ Playing field to boardroom. Lessons of sport.
Latest in Fast Track.
Lilah Thompson, a standout high school sophomore volleyball player, goes over what she's learning as she starts her recruitment process.
We’ll be checking back in with her during the process.
HOT TAKES FROM FAST TRACK
☄️"It’s a little stressful, but if you think of how good the outcome can be, it’s exciting."