In this deeply personal episode of What’s the Rusch, Rebecca reconnects with longtime teammate and multi-time world champion Anneke Beerten. From her BMX beginnings in the Netherlands to dominating Crankworx and Enduro World Series events, Anneke has done it all on two wheels. But her greatest test came off the course—when a traumatic brain injury abruptly ended her career.

Rebecca and Anneke dive into what it means to rewrite your story after the finish line, how to navigate the invisible injuries, and the power of staying in the sport—just in a different role. Now a coach, mentor, and skills instructor, Anneke is helping shape the next generation of riders, while also navigating her own ongoing recovery.

This episode is about identity, purpose, healing after an injury, and what it means to keep showing up, even when the ride looks different than you planned.

In this episode, Rebecca and Anneke explore:

Starting BMX at age 4 and racing internationally as a teen
The evolution of a mountain bike career across disciplines—BMX, 4X, Enduro
The car accident that caused her traumatic brain injury
Letting go of a racing career before she was ready
Coaching for USA Cycling and mentoring Olympic medalist Haley Batten
Coaching from Crankworx to beginners, with equal joy and passion
Finding peace, purpose, and a new kind of finish line

Transformative Insights:

"Fun was always a non-negotiable part of my training."
Brain injuries are treatable—but require advocacy and patience.
Recovery is not linear, and it’s often invisible.
You can still win—by helping others rise.
Letting go of the comeback dream was the first step toward real healing.

Vulnerable Moments:

Anneke shares the fear and emotional toll of post-TBI symptoms
The grief of losing a lifelong identity in one instant
Feeling isolated in a facility surrounded by stroke survivors at age 38
The emotional reckoning of realizing she couldn’t race again
What it meant to return to Crankworx—not to compete, but to close a chapter

Practical Wisdom:

Follow your gut: fear and intuition are both teachers
“Just give me two hours to undo what you’ve been doing for 10 years”—Anneke’s coaching mantra
Record videos or journal during recovery to track invisible progress
Helping others can bring the same thrill as racing
You don't need a podium to have purpose

Personal Growth:

From podiums to mentorship: how Anneke found joy in coaching
Learning to ask for help—and accept it
The move to Bentonville as a radical act of healing and community
Letting go of plans and finding presence in the moment
Redefining success through connection, not competition

📚 Helpful Links:

Sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by Eternal.

Eternal is redefining athlete health with personalized, evidence-based care. From advanced blood biomarker testing to in-depth performance assessments and concierge support, they give you the tools to train smarter, recover better, and avoid injury.

Check them out at eternal.co and use promo code WTR for 10% off your performance physical today.

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Connect with Rebecca Rusch

Healing, Reinvention & Riding Forward with Anneke Beerten | EP26