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In this episode, we sit down with long jumper Jazmin Sawyers to explore one of the defining moments of her career and the journey that led to it. Jazmin reflects on her emotional victory at the European Indoor Championships in Istanbul, where she jumped 7.00m for the first time, set a British indoor record, and secured her first major international title after years of battling self-doubt and inconsistency on the biggest stages. She opens up about the mental challenges of elite competition, including being highly self-critical, learning to separate self-worth from results, and finding ways to maintain belief through setbacks and near misses. Beyond the track, Jazmin shares how creativity and personal expression have played a key role in her wellbeing, using focused periods away from competition to reset mentally and regain clarity. The conversation also explores her Achilles rupture in 2024, the immediate reality of missing Paris, and how she approached recovery with perspective, visualization, and support from those around her, including fellow athletes and experienced staff. A powerful and honest discussion about resilience, identity, recovery, and finding gratitude in the journey — redefining success beyond medals and results.

Show Notes • How does an elite athlete rebuild identity after a serious injury interrupts momentum and progress. • What does resilience really look like when setbacks force you to step away from the sport you love. • How can athletes navigate uncertainty, recovery, and the emotional challenges of being sidelined. • What happens when confidence is tested during long periods away from competition. • How do athletes separate self-worth from performance when they are unable to compete. • What role does creativity and expression play in maintaining identity beyond sport. • How can athletes stay motivated and focused during rehabilitation and return-to-play journeys. • What lessons does elite sport teach about patience, perspective, and long-term development. • How does adversity reshape ambition, mindset, and future goals. • What can Jazmin Sawyers’ journey teach us about growth, resilience, and redefining success beyond results.

Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:36 The First Seven-Meter Jump 03:53 Seeing the Record on Board 07:20 Belief Through Setbacks 11:03 More Than an Athlete 14:14 Ambition and Disappointment 18:04 Season Goals and Failure 20:49 Busy Life Boosts Performance 24:23 Training Time and Recovery 27:02 Obsessed or Balanced Passion 33:19 I Hate Training but I Go 36:13 Drive You Cannot Teach 38:43 Potential and Alignment 39:47 Chasing the Perfect Day 40:55 Seven-Meter Gold Reflection 43:11 Achilles Rupture Moment 46:37 Visualization and Rehab Team 48:46 Relearning Progress Metrics 54:17 Finding Gratitude After Paris 58:13 Avoiding Injuries and Talent 01:00:41 Advice That Actually Works 01:04:45 Becoming a Public Voice 01:10:49 Movie Title and Wrap-Up

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Follow the Guest and Hosts on Instagram: Jazmin Sawyers: https://www.instagram.com/jazminsawyers Freddie Woodward: https://www.instagram.com/freddie_woodward Yona Knight-Wisdom: https://www.instagram.com/yonakw

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