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 engaging conversation, the Matt and Samer discuss the journey of a Lebanese cross-country skier who overcame significant challenges to qualify for the Olympics. They explore themes of resilience, the beauty of Lebanon's Cedars of God, the experience of competing at the Olympics, and the importance of support systems in an athlete's life. The conversation also delves into the lessons learned from adversity, the sacrifices made for athletic success, and the values that come with being an Olympian. Ultimately, the discussion emphasizes living in the moment and the power of belief in oneself.
Takeaways
The journey to the Olympics is filled with challenges and triumphs.
Lebanon's Cedars of God is a beautiful training ground for athletes.
Qualifying for the Olympics is a significant achievement for any athlete.
Coping with pre-Olympic jitters involves living in the moment.
Experiencing the Olympics is a unique and unforgettable experience.
Overcoming adversity can lead to personal growth and resilience.
Support systems are crucial for athletes during their journeys.
Consistency and resilience are key to athletic success.
Being an Olympian is about more than just competing; it's about values and legacy.
Reflecting on past achievements can motivate future success.
Sound bites
”You can do it again.”
”Sports can humble you.”
”You need some help from others.”
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene
03:01 Journey to Cross-Country Skiing
05:55 The Beauty of Lebanon's Cedars of God
08:57 Qualifying for the Olympics
11:42 Pre-Olympic Jitters and Coping Mechanisms
15:00 Experiencing the Olympics for the First Time
17:51 Overcoming Adversity: The Near-Death Experience
20:52 Recovery and the Road Back to Competition
23:45 The Importance of Support Systems
26:36 Lessons Learned from the Athletic Journey
29:33 The Cost of Being an Athlete
32:31 The Values of an Olympian
35:35 Motivation and Resilience
38:25 Looking Ahead to Milano Cortina
41:27 Final Thoughts and Reflections
Keywords
Olympics, cross-country skiing, Lebanon, Cedars of God, resilience, athlete journey, overcoming adversity, Milano Cortina, Olympic values, support systems
Follow Samer @samertawk.oly
Disclaimer
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