Countdown to Cortina
Countdown to Cortina
Podcast Description
Countdown to Cortina is a weekly podcast leading up to the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics.
The goal of the podcast is to educate, entertain and inspire people through the stories and values that sports promote; fairness, respect, courage and unity.
Hosted & created by internationally acclaimed presenter, entrepreneur and soon to become Milano-Cortina Olympian Matt C Smith. The series features interviews with past and present Olympic & Paralympic legends, cult heroes, and hopefuls.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast covers themes such as the evolution of sports, athlete branding, and inclusivity, with episodes featuring discussions on the dynamics of cross-country skiing, the necessity of diversity in sports, and innovative strategies to engage spectators. For example, Andrew Musgrave shares his experiences transitioning into a beloved figure in the skiing community while addressing the importance of marketing and funding in the sport.
Countdown to Cortina is a weekly podcast leading up to the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics.
The goal of the podcast is to educate, entertain and inspire people through the stories and values that sports promote; fairness, respect, courage and unity.
Hosted & created by internationally acclaimed presenter, entrepreneur and soon to become Milano-Cortina Olympian Matt C Smith. The series features interviews with past and present Olympic & Paralympic legends, cult heroes, and hopefuls.
Summary: In this episode Nicole Burger, a skeleton athlete representing South Africa, shares her journey into the sport, the challenges she faces, and her aspirations for the upcoming Olympics in Milan-Cortina. The discussion covers the mechanics of skeleton, the psychological resilience required, the community of athletes, and the balance between her military career and sports. Nicole emphasizes the importance of the Olympic spirit and the camaraderie among athletes from different nations, highlighting how sport brings people together.
Takeaways
Skeleton is a thrilling sport that requires both physical and mental resilience.
The first experience on a skeleton sled is both exhilarating and daunting.
Understanding the mechanics of skeleton involves learning to steer and control the sled at high speeds.
The psychological challenges of the sport can be more daunting than the physical ones.
Community and support among athletes from different nations are crucial in the sport.
Training for the Olympics involves rigorous preparation and a focus on points to qualify.
National identity plays a significant role in the experience of competing internationally.
Equipment logistics are complex and require careful management for successful competition.
The ideal skeleton athlete combines speed, strength, and experience.
The Olympics represent the pinnacle of achievement for athletes, fostering a sense of global community.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Skeleton and the Journey Begins
03:16 The Thrill of the First Run
04:06 New Chapter
06:08 Understanding the Mechanics of Skeleton
08:52 The Psychological Challenges of Skeleton
11:14 The Path to Becoming a Skeleton Athlete
14:13 The Equipment and Logistics of Skeleton
16:57 The Competitive Landscape of Skeleton
19:22 The Future of Skeleton and Personal Aspirations
24:07 Journey to Skeleton: Personal Stories and Motivation
30:00 The Olympic Spirit: Community and Friendship
33:48 Olympic Memories: Personal Reflections and Experiences
39:08 Preparing for the Olympics: Training and Goals
41:45 Support Systems: Balancing Sport and Work
44:21 Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations and Connections
Keywords
Skeleton, Olympics, Winter Sports, South Africa, Athlete Journey, Community, Training, Equipment, Mental Resilience, Sports Psychology
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.