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, Seve De Campo shares his journey as a cross-country skier, from his early days in Melbourne to his experiences as an Olympian. The discussion covers the importance of mental preparation, the significance of personal branding for athletes, and the role of social media in building a community. Seve also reflects on the lessons learned from his Olympic journey and offers advice for managing pre-race jitters. The conversation highlights the fun and camaraderie in the sport, as well as the challenges faced by athletes in their pursuit of excellence.
Takeaways
Seve is preparing for his first race in Ruka.
The importance of mental preparation before races.
Cross-country skiing has a strong community in Australia.
Seve’s journey from Melbourne to the Olympics.
The significance of personal branding for athletes.
Live streaming can enhance athlete engagement.
The King of Trondheim promotes fun in skiing.
Social media can be a powerful tool for athletes.
Enjoying the journey is as important as the destination.
Building a personal brand takes time and authenticity.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Chit-Chat
04:51 Seve’s Journey in Cross-Country Skiing
19:35 The Transition to Europe and Professionalism
34:18 Individualized Training and Future Aspirations
23:45 The Role of AI in Coaching and Training
28:19 First World Cup Experience: Overcoming Challenges
31:17 Qualifying for the Olympics: The Journey to Beijing
35:57 Experiencing the Olympics: Highlights from Beijing
38:56 Looking Ahead: Anticipation for Milano Cortina
40:26 Social Media Mastery: Building a Personal Brand
47:28 Building Connections in Sports
50:13 The Importance of Personal Branding
53:18 Innovative Approaches to Athlete Branding
59:10 The Journey of an Olympian
01:08:53 Embracing the Olympic Experience

Disclaimer
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