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.
In this engaging conversation, Matt and Boris Stanish explore Boris's journey as an aspiring biathlete aiming for the Olympics through his Project 509 initiative. They discuss the importance of social media in documenting the athlete's journey, the challenges of balancing training with content creation, and the impact of community engagement. Boris shares insights on his experiences, the significance of building in public, and the legacy he hopes to create. The conversation culminates in reflections on the road to the Olympics and the opportunities that arise from sharing one's journey.
Takeaways
Boris's journey into biathlon began at a young age due to his parents' love for skiing.
Project 509 is about documenting every day of Boris's journey to the Olympics.
Social media can be a powerful tool for athletes to share their stories and inspire others.
Consistency in content creation is key, even during tough times.
Building a community around sports can lead to greater engagement and support.
Athletes should focus on documenting their process rather than striving for perfection in content.
The importance of having a clear mission and goals in sports and social media.
Boris emphasizes the need for athletes to give back to their communities.
Social media can open doors to opportunities and sponsorships for athletes.
The journey to the Olympics is filled with challenges, but perseverance is crucial.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Social Media Bromance
04:52 Inspiration and the Journey to Biathlon
07:18 The Path to Becoming an Olympian
10:01 Project 509: Documenting the Olympic Journey
12:54 Building in Public: The Athlete's Perspective
15:22 Content Creation and Consistency
18:18 Balancing Social Media and Athletic Life
21:16 Opportunities from Social Media Engagement
23:36 Community Engagement and Giving Back
26:27 Future Aspirations and Financial Opportunities
32:01 Rolls for Rolls: Building Community Through Roller Skiing
36:22 Inspiration from Young Athletes: The Power of Community
38:36 Legacy and Goals: What Will We Leave Behind?
39:56 Challenges of Project 509: Overcoming Adversity
43:10 Consistency in Content Creation: The Daily Grind
47:15 Olympic Aspirations: The Road to Qualification
50:38 Looking Forward: Anticipating the Olympics
#biathlon, #Project509, #Olympics, #socialmedia, #athletejourney, #contentcreation, #communityengagement, #training, #legacy, #inspiration

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.