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The 2024 Olympics and Paralympics are approaching. Over 7000 women will be competing and right now they’re in the final stretch of preparation. Through exclusive interviews with these athletes, we’ll find out exactly what it takes to be a Flame Bearer.
Flame Bearers is a global storytelling platform, illuminating the untold stories of resilient women Olympians & Paralympians. We tell stories via video, podcast, and live events. In Flame Bearers: Pathways to Paris, new co-host, 2-time Olympian, and 6-time French National Figure Skating Champ Maé-Bérénice Méité will join us in talking to the athletes competing in the City of Lights.
Watch our episodes on YouTube to see our conversations.
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Feb 19, 2025
“People sometimes say the Paralympics is just a participation event—but that’s not true.”
Tamsin Colley made history as Australia’s youngest-ever track and field Paralympian, competing in the 200m at the Rio 2016 Games. She’s also a dedicated Cerebral Palsy Footballer, balancing multiple sports while advocating for greater inclusion in competition.
But Tamsin’s journey hasn’t been without obstacles. From being excluded in school due to assumptions about her disability to falling just meters before the finish line at the Paralympics, she’s had to fight for every opportunity. “Resilience isn’t just part of being an athlete—it’s part of everyday life when you have a disability,” she shares.
Beyond competition, she’s pushing for more para events in mainstream meets and breaking down misconceptions. “The word ‘Para’ means parallel to the Olympics, not less than—it’s time people saw it that way.”
In this episode, Tamsin talks about her experiences on the world’s biggest stage, the realities of para sport, and why disability is just one (of many) parts of who she is.
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Flame Bearers is a multi media movement, illuminating the unsung stories of elite women athletes from around the world. We tell stories via podcast, video and live events and have worked with over 250 Olympians and Paralympians from 55 countries and counting.
For more videos about elite women athletes, subscribe to our YouTube channel ► / @flamebearers
Follow us -
Instagram - / flamebearers
Facebook - / flamebearerspodcast
Linkedin - / flame-bearers
Tiktok- / flame_bearers
X- / flame_bearers
OUR WEBSITE - https://flamebearers.com/
00:09:56
Feb 12, 2025
“I never dreamed I would be an athlete. If you had asked me, I would have absolutely said no.”
For Shannon Rowbury, running wasn’t part of the plan—until it became clear she had a knack for it. A 3x Olympian and Olympic bronze medalist in the 1500m, she spent decades pushing her limits on the track. But what happens when the race ends?
In this episode, Shannon shares the emotional transition from elite competition to life after the clock stops. After retiring in 2021, she faced an identity crisis: who am I if not an athlete? Through reflection, community, and even running her first marathon for fun, she rediscovered her love for the sport—this time on her own terms.
Now, she’s applying the Medalist Mindset—a framework she co-created with Olympian Lauren Gibbs—to help others achieve peak performance in business and life. From goal setting to controlling the uncontrollable, Shannon reveals how the same tools that shaped her Olympic success can empower anyone to chase their own ambitions.
But Shannon’s impact goes beyond the track. As a new mother, she found herself navigating a system that lacked protections for pregnant athletes. “It wasn’t like I set out to do something noble. Necessity created the opportunity.” That necessity led to her co-creating the first-ever maternity policy for USA Track & Field, proving that one voice can spark real change.
Her message? “Do what you love, work hard, and success will find you.” Whether you're chasing a medal, a career goal, or simply the best version of yourself, Shannon’s story is a reminder that every step forward—no matter how small—creates a lasting impact.
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Flame Bearers is the world's first media and production company specifically illuminating the unsung stories of elite women athletes. We tell stories via podcast, video, and live events and are working towards a world where people feel more represented, empowered, and enlightened about the power of community.
Learn more on our website: flamebearers.com
Watch & subscribe to our YouTube channel to exclusive video interviews and bonus content ► / @flamebearers
Follow us on social media for behind the scenes content:
Instagram: /flamebearers
Facebook: /flamebearerspodcast
Linkedin: /flame-bearers
Tiktok: /flame_bearers
X: /flame_bearers
00:13:29
Feb 05, 2025
"I touched the wall, saw my time, and was already blown away. Then I saw the 16 next to my name and thought—holy, it's happening."
For Julimar Ávila, swimming was never just about the clock—it was about proving to herself and the world what was possible. Representing Honduras, she became the first swimmer from her country to make an Olympic semifinal. But her path was anything but linear. From training at a YMCA as a child to competing at the highest level, she faced cultural duality, self-doubt, and moments where she questioned if she belonged.
In this episode, Julimar takes us inside her Olympic experiences in Tokyo and Paris, where she battled the unexpected—quarantine isolation before her race, the pressure of making history, and the imposter syndrome that followed. "I started to doubt my own skills, wondering if making the semifinals was a fluke," she admits.
But she found a way forward. Through journaling, self-reflection, and a rock-solid support system, Julimar reclaimed her confidence and learned to separate expectations from joy. Now, in a new phase of her life, she's stepping out of the pool, embracing new challenges—including training for a half marathon and pushing herself outside her comfort zone.
Her message? Trust yourself, embrace the journey, and find your flow. "Every practice, good or bad, is something to be proud of. The fact that you showed up is enough."
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Flame Bearers is the world's first media and production company specifically illuminating the unsung stories of resilient women Olympians & Paralympians. We tell stories via podcast, video, and live events and are working towards a world where people feel more represented, empowered, and enlightened about the power of community.
Learn more on our website: flamebearers.com
Watch & subscribe to our YouTube channel to exclusive video interviews and bonus content ► / @flamebearers
Follow us on social media for behind the scenes content:
Instagram: /flamebearers
Facebook: /flamebearerspodcast
Linkedin: /flame-bearers
Tiktok: /flame_bearers
X: /flame_bearers
00:25:05
Jan 29, 2025
"Be Brave. Take the Leap."
For Neelam O’Neill, shooting was never part of the plan. But from firing her first shots at a tin-roof range in New Zealand to making history as the first female pistol shooter to represent her country at the Paralympics, she has defied every expectation, including her own. "The first time I held a gun, I was seven years old, just shooting cans on a family trip—I didn’t think much of it.” Flash forward to today, and she is the face of para shooting in New Zealand.
Born with spina bifida and later diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, Neelam has faced immense challenges—both in sport and in life. And she wants to talk about it: “Disability is still not normalized, but 15% of the world has one—why are we still afraid to talk about it?” From navigating the financial burden of competing internationally to overcoming accessibility barriers in global competitions, she has had to fight for every opportunity. But Neelam refuses to let obstacles define her. “People with disabilities, our biggest thing is we just carry on. We just move forward.”
In this episode, Neelam shares her journey from self-funded athlete to Paralympian, the mental discipline required in shooting, and the resilience that fuels her. She also challenges listeners to rethink disability, urging them to start conversations and embrace inclusivity.
Her message is clear: “Be brave. Take the leap.”
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Flame Bearers is a multi media movement, illuminating the unsung stories of elite women athletes from around the world. We tell stories via podcast, video and live events and have worked with over 250 Olympians and Paralympians from 55 countries and counting.
For more videos about elite women athletes, subscribe to our YouTube channel ► / @flamebearers
Follow us -
Instagram - / flamebearers
Facebook - / flamebearerspodcast
Linkedin - / flame-bearers
Tiktok- / flame_bearers
X- / flame_bearers
OUR WEBSITE - https://flamebearers.com/
00:22:44
Jan 22, 2025
“You can either let challenges break you or use them to inspire the next generation.”
This belief drives Shelley Looney, a trailblazer in women’s ice hockey and a gold medalist at the first Olympics with women's ice hockey (1998). Growing up in Michigan, Shelley dreamed of playing at the highest level, but had no female hockey players to look up to. She became the role model she never had, scoring the game-winning goal in Nagano and cementing her place in sports history. “Not many people get to say that their dreams have come true,” she reflects on her Olympic triumph.
Shelley has witnessed the sport evolve from its infancy to the competitive powerhouse it is today. “I’d love to be part of it now,” she says, marveling at the speed, strength, and agility of modern players. Now a coach, she dedicates herself to fostering the next generation of players, from youth leagues to college athletes, ensuring every girl knows there's a place for her in hockey. “If you want to continue to play, there is a place for you,” she emphasizes. “You just have to find the right fit.”
Shelley also shares advice for athletes transitioning out of professional sports, an area she wishes she had more guidance in herself. “I wish I had broadened my horizons earlier and explored other interests while still competing,” she admits. Her mantra for athletes and beyond? “Take a deep breath, see what you’ve done, and be proud of who you are today.”
In this episode, Shelley shares her journey, from Olympic triumphs to her mission to grow the talent pipeline for women’s ice hockey. She reflects on the lessons she’s learned, including the importance of enjoying the journey and being present. “I wish I’d been more thankful and taken the time to appreciate the moment,” she says.
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Flame Bearers: UNEDITED, a new video and podcast series celebrates the journeys of elite women athletes from around the world at all phases of their journeys: seeking their first international qualifications, at the pinnacle of their careers, and after retirement. In this largely UNEDITED series, we'll meet more athletes than ever before, all at various stages of their paths. This series is different not only because we're broadening who we're featuring, but how we're doing so. In the spirit of bringing you MORE STORIES, the tradeoff is fewer bells + whistles (i.e. animations & fancy sound effects than we normally include in our productions). We think it's worth the trade off so we can elevate more women doing incredible work -- we'd love to hear your thoughts.
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Flame Bearers is a multi media movement, illuminating the unsung stories of elite women athletes from around the world. We tell stories via podcast, video and live events and have worked with over 250 Olympians and Paralympians from 55 countries and counting.
For more videos about elite women athletes, subscribe to our YouTube channel ► / @flamebearers
Follow us -
Instagram - / flamebearers
Facebook - / flamebearerspodcast
Linkedin - / flame-bearers
Tiktok- / flame_bearers
X- / flame_bearers
OUR WEBSITE - https://flamebearers.com/
00:16:48
Jan 15, 2025
“You can either let challenges break you or turn you into a superhero.”
This belief drives Saman Soltani, a former Iranian national swimming champion turned Refugee Olympic Team canoeist. Born into a culture where restrictions on women in sports are severe, Saman’s dreams were nearly crushed when she faced persecution for trained internationally without adhering to strict hijab laws. Fleeing Iran with nothing but a suitcase, she sought asylum in Austria and began a new life against overwhelming odds.
Saman's determination paid off as she became a proud member of the Refugee Olympic Team, competing at the Paris 2024 Olympics. “When I passed the Olympic rings at the Eiffel Tower during the opening ceremony, I couldn’t stop crying—it was exactly like my dreams,” she reflects.
Despite her achievements, Saman’s challenges are far from over. As a refugee athlete, she navigates barriers like funding, visa restrictions, and the psychological toll of starting over. Yet, she remains steadfast in her mission: to inspire women and refugees worldwide to never give up. “If I can do it, so can you,” she says.
In this episode, Saman shares her incredible story of resilience, her experiences competing as a refugee athlete, and her advice for overcoming life’s toughest challenges. She also reveals her vision for the future: winning an Olympic medal and empowering others to believe in their own potential. “Celebrate the small victories, because they will take you to greater heights.”
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Flame Bearers: UNEDITED, a new video and podcast series celebrates the journeys of elite women athletes from around the world at all phases of their journeys: seeking their first international qualifications, at the pinnacle of their careers, and after retirement. In this largely UNEDITED series, we'll meet more athletes than ever before, all at various stages of their paths. This series is different not only because we're broadening who we're featuring, but how we're doing so. In the spirit of bringing you MORE STORIES, the tradeoff is fewer bells + whistles (i.e. animations & fancy sound effects than we normally include in our productions). We think it's worth the trade off so we can elevate more women doing incredible work -- we'd love to hear your thoughts.
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Flame Bearers is a multi media movement, illuminating the unsung stories of elite women athletes from around the world. We tell stories via podcast, video and live events and have worked with over 250 Olympians and Paralympians from 55 countries and counting.
For more videos about elite women athletes, subscribe to our YouTube channel ► / @flamebearers
Follow us -
Instagram - / flamebearers
Facebook - / flamebearerspodcast
Linkedin - / flame-bearers
Tiktok- / flame_bearers
X- / flame_bearers
OUR WEBSITE - https://flamebearers.com/
00:21:07
Jan 08, 2025
*You can watch this episode of Flame Bearers: UNEDITED on YouTube via the Flame Bearers channel if you would like to tune in with visuals*
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In this episode of Flame Bearers: UNEDITED, we sit down with Babalwa Latsha, the first professional woman XV rugby player in Africa, to hear her story of breaking barriers, embracing identity, and advocating for women in sports.
From her early days discovering rugby in South Africa to dominating as a pro in the Premier 15s league, Babalwa talks about how rugby gave her freedom and empowered her to find her voice. Throughout, Babalwa talks about how "it’s not about what my body looks like, but what my body can do for me."
She shares about the growth of women’s rugby in South Africa and how she’s witnessed the sport evolve as THE FIRST pro woman rugby athlete to a growing movement. Her vision for the future of women’s sports? "I want a world with packed stadiums, where women’s sports are fully professionalized, and athletes can make a good living without needing a nine-to-five job."
Babalwa also offers this advice to her younger self—"Find your voice, and once you do, be unapologetically yourself." She also encourages listeners to embrace bravery in all its forms: "Being brave doesn’t mean you’re not scared. It’s a process of understanding how far you’ve come and how much more you can do."
In this episode, Babalwa talks about her work with the Menstruation Foundation. Learn more about their important work here: https://menstruation.foundation/
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Flame Bearers is a multi media movement, illuminating the unsung stories of elite women athletes from around the world. We tell stories via podcast, video, and live events and have worked with over 250 Olympians and Paralympians from 55 countries and counting.
For more videos about elite women athletes, subscribe to our YouTube channel ► / @flamebearers
Follow us -
Instagram - / flamebearers
Facebook - / flamebearerspodcast
Linkedin - / flame-bearers
Tiktok- / flame_bearers
X- / flame_bearers
OUR WEBSITE - https://flamebearers.com/
00:22:42
Jan 02, 2025
As we step into 2025, we wanted to pause and reflect on some of the incredible conversations we had in 2024. This episode celebrates some of our favorite moments, featuring powerful stories and insights from remarkable athletes. Here are just a few highlights:
Caster Semenya, 2x Olympic champ and 3x World champ, reflects on her role as an advocate for women in sports: "It's about time we, as women, decide what is right for us. If women are respected, given opportunities, and treated equally, I will finally feel peace."
Marine Fatoumatta Camara, Mali's first-ever female Olympic boxer shares the challenges of representing an African nation: "Competing for Mali is harder than people realize—lack of funding, political issues, and constant underestimation make every win even more rewarding."
Anastasia Pagonis, 2x Paralympian, describes the freedom swimming gives her: "In the pool, I feel like a mermaid—it's the one place where my disability doesn't hold me back."
Bryony Page, Olympic trampoline champion, opens up about overcoming fear in her sport: "Fear brings focus. Instead of dwelling on what could go wrong, I learned to focus on what will make me perform well."
00:25:47
Dec 26, 2024
Instead of releasing a new interview this week, we wanted to pause and reflect on some of the incredible conversations we've had in 2024. This episode celebrates some of our favorite moments from interviews this past year, including snippets from our full conversations with each of these athletes.
To name a few, you'll hear from:
-Kokona Hiraki, World Champion skateboarder, talks about her love for the evolving nature of skateboarding and its inclusive spirit: “Once you master one trick, there’s a new one to try. It keeps evolving. Skateboarding is just really fun, and there’s no age limit.”
-Gia Trevisan, Italian Olympic sprinter, recounts how a transition from soccer led her to embrace the 400 meters despite its challenges: “I didn’t love the 400 meters. It’s probably the worst race, but it’s always better when it’s over.”
-Farida Osman, Egyptian Olympic swimmer shares her journey to coping with expectations and pressure: “I realized I need to work with a sports psychologist to cope with expectations and pressure.”
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00:22:24
Dec 18, 2024
*You can watch this episode of Flame Bearers: UNEDITED on YouTube via the Flame Bearers channel if you would like to tune in with visuals*
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“Never give up. Any opportunity can come up, and you need to grasp it.”
This mantra fuels Husnah Kukundakwe, a 17-year-old, 2x Paralympian from Uganda. In a culture where “most people like me, who are born with a disability, are seen as curses to the family...some are just killed right on the spot,” Husnah has defied every expectation.
She made history as the first Ugandan swimmer to qualify for the Paralympics on merit and became the youngest athlete across all sports at the Tokyo Paralympics. She continues to smash African records and is ranked among the top 10 swimmers in Uganda (including able-bodied athletes). That said, her journey hasn’t been without setbacks. “I was swapped out of a swim race as a kid because I wasn’t seen as good enough—but I came back to prove them all wrong,” she shares. And prove them wrong she did—sweeping the medals against able-bodied athletes. For Husnah, swimming is more than a sport; it’s a source of strength and self-discovery. “It helped me stop hiding my hand and gave me the confidence to embrace who I am.”
Now, Husnah is determined to create opportunities for others. When not competing, she's working to launch the Husnah Kukundakwe Disability Sports Foundation, aimed at supporting young athletes with disabilities in Uganda. “I wouldn’t want anyone to lose hope because of something like finances,” she explains. “Everyone deserves a chance to try.”
In this episode, Husnah shares her record-breaking achievements, her experiences challenging cultural misconceptions about disability, and her bold vision for Uganda’s para-sports future. She also offers inspiring advice: “Ignore the negativity, believe in yourself, and find something you love that makes you feel free.”
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Flame Bearers: UNEDITED, a new video and podcast series celebrates the journeys of elite women athletes from around the world at all phases of their journeys: seeking their first international qualifications, at the pinnacle of their careers, and after retirement. In this largely UNEDITED series, we'll meet more athletes than ever before, all at various stages of their paths. This series is different not only because we're broadening who we're featuring, but how we're doing so. In the spirit of bringing you MORE STORIES, the tradeoff is fewer bells + whistles (i.e. animations & fancy sound effects than we normally include in our productions). We think it's worth the trade off so we can elevate more women doing incredible work -- we'd love to hear your thoughts.
------
Flame Bearers is a multi media movement, illuminating the unsung stories of elite women athletes from around the world. We tell stories via podcast, video and live events and have worked with over 250 Olympians and Paralympians from 55 countries and counting.
For more videos about elite women athletes, subscribe to our YouTube channel ► / @flamebearers
Follow us -
Instagram - / flamebearers
Facebook - / flamebearerspodcast
Linkedin - / flame-bearers
Tiktok- / flame_bearers
X- / flame_bearers
OUR WEBSITE - https://flamebearers.com/
00:26:01
Dec 11, 2024
“Your body isn’t broken—it just works differently now.”
That’s how Dana Mathewson—3x Team USA Wheelchair Paralympian, and Wimbledon champ—views her body today, but that wasn't always her perspective. At the age of 10, Dana developed a rare auto-immune condition. When most girls are desperately trying to fit in with their peers, Dana was forced to reimagine her identity and future. She shares, “I was 10 years old, and suddenly, the thing everyone noticed about me was my wheelchair. I felt like I had to be prettier, funnier—just more—to compensate for what I thought was a huge defect.”
Reflecting on this period, Dana mentions, "sports taught me to see my body as something to celebrate, not to hide." Wheelchair tennis helped her rebuild confidence and overcome self-doubt,, ultimately propelling her to the highest levels of competition on the global stage. "Although my body doesn’t work the same way it used to, that doesn’t mean it’s broken. It just means I’ve found a new way to make it work for me—and it does."
Dana also opens up about her decision to retire after over a decade in the sport, saying, “I realized I wanted to spend more time with my family and my new husband—there was more to life than constant travel and training.” She remains deeply connected to the game, transitioning into commentary and consulting roles, where she plans to bring her firsthand insights to a wider audience. We can't wait to tune in!
Throughout, Dana discusses the challenges of breaking down misconceptions about Paralympic sports, the importance of representation, and her hopes for para-sports leading into LA 2028. Plus, she offers advice for anyone navigating life’s challenges: lean into what makes you unique, find community, and don’t be afraid to redefine success. “The outlets are out there, and others are searching for you just as much as you’re searching for them,” she says.
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We heard you loud & clear: you want more athlete's stories, so we responded. Flame Bearers: UNEDITED, a new video and podcast series celebrates the journeys of elite women athletes from around the world at all phases of their journeys: seeking their first international qualifications, at the pinnacle of their careers, and after retirement. In this largely UNEDITED series, we'll meet more athletes than ever before, all at various stages of their paths. This series is different not only because we're broadening who we're featuring, but how we're doing so. In the spirit of bringing you MORE STORIES, the tradeoff is fewer bells + whistles (i.e. animations & fancy sound effects than we normally include in our productions). We think it's worth the trade off so we can elevate more women doing incredible work -- we'd love to hear your thoughts.
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Flame Bearers is a multi media movement, illuminating the unsung stories of elite women athletes from around the world. We tell stories via podcast, video and live events and have worked with over 250 Olympians and Paralympians from 55 countries and counting.
For more videos about elite women athletes, subscribe to our YouTube channel ► https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVnEbCOeOvNlK6Bocw9ZSdA?sub_confirmation=1
Follow us -
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/flamebearers/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/FlameBearersPodcast
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/flame-bearers/
Tiktok- https://www.tiktok.com/@flame_bearers
X- https://twitter.com/flame_bearers
OUR WEBSITE - https://flamebearers.com/
00:25:05
Dec 05, 2024
“What we do is sometimes the least interesting thing about us.”
That’s how Julie-Anne Staehli—an Olympian from Canada and pro runner with Team New Balance Boston—sees it. With over a decade of experience competing at the highest levels, Julie-Anne has learned that while competing is a big part of her, it's what she does, not who she is.
In this episode, Julie-Anne opens up about her journey, from growing up playing every sport imaginable to finding her stride as an endurance athlete. She shares how resilience, grit, and her “stubborn determination” helped her navigate the ups and downs of elite competition.
Julie-Anne also dives into the importance of joy and balance, guided by her coach’s mantra: “Healthy, happy, and then running fast.” She talks about avoiding burnout, embracing the unique paths that bring athletes to the start line, and the lessons she’s learned about leadership and authenticity. Plus, she offers advice for anyone chasing big goals: stay present, enjoy the ride, and don’t take it all too seriously.
Photo credit: Heather MacEachern-Tarasick
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We heard you loud & clear: you want more athlete's stories, so we responded. Flame Bearers: UNEDITED, a new video and podcast series celebrates the journeys of elite women athletes from around the world at all phases of their journeys: seeking their first international qualifications, at the pinnacle of their careers, and after retirement. In this largely UNEDITED series, we'll meet more athletes than ever before, all at various stages of their paths. This series is different not only because we're broadening who we're featuring, but how we're doing so. In the spirit of bringing you MORE STORIES, the tradeoff is fewer bells + whistles (i.e. animations & fancy sound effects than we normally include in our productions). We think it's worth the trade off so we can elevate more women doing incredible work -- we'd love to hear your thoughts.
00:12:47
Nov 27, 2024
"If you have the chance to be the best in the world at something, even for the fourth time, you should probably take it." Caryn Davies, a 3x Olympic medalist, shares her extraordinary journey of ambition, resilience, and self-discovery in this unfiltered conversation.
Caryn, who competed in three Olympic Games—Athens (2004), Beijing (2008), and London (2012)—amassed an impressive record: a silver medal in Athens and back-to-back gold medals in Beijing and London as part of the U.S. Women’s Eight. She reflects on her initial decision to retire after London, only to feel drawn back to rowing years later, inspired by her enduring love for the sport and the possibility of a fourth Olympic appearance in Tokyo.
Her return, however, was anything but straightforward. She recounts the struggles of reintegrating with a younger team, battling a significant injury, and ultimately being cut from the Tokyo squad. Despite not making the final team, Caryn explains how she redefined success: "Even though I didn’t make it to the Olympic Games... I had won something more important than a gold medal: the respect and love of my teammates."
In this conversation Caryn shares about her learnings from the most challenging moments, including the power of vulnerability, the importance of seeking feedback, and the delicate balance of intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation. She also offers unique insights into what it means to embody the Olympic ideals of excellence, respect, and joy in effort: "A true Olympian honors not just excellence but also friendship and respect, even amidst fierce competition."
Caryn takes us behind the scenes of her life as an elite rower and shares how the lessons from her Olympic journey now guide her in her career as a lawyer. She shares how "being a normal person [not an elite athlete] is really hard." This conversation is a testament to the idea that greatness isn't just measured by medals but by the impact you leave on those around you.
00:35:39
Nov 20, 2024
Charlie Guest, is a 2x Olympic skier, psych student, and an advocate for gender equity in sports. After breaking her back in 2014, Charlie went on to become the first British woman to ever win an Alpine European Cup (2019) and later went on to rack up 3 titles. Charlie opens up about her passion for skiing and the systemic inequalities she’s encountered. Specifically, Charlie recounts the infuriating disparities in media coverage during last year's Junior Alpine World Championships championship, where men’s races were given priority while women’s events were ignored. "It wasn’t an accident. It was a choice," she shares. She highlights how these decisions have ripple effects, impacting sponsorships, visibility, and future opportunities for women athletes.
The conversation takes a deeply personal turn as Charlie reflects on her realization that even training methods were not designed for women. “None of the training we were doing was designed for us, and it broke me—physically and emotionally."
Yet, this story isn’t just about challenges—it’s about hope and action. Charlie emphasizes the power of speaking up: “If you use your voice, it gives others the courage to use theirs. That’s where real change begins.”
00:17:54
Nov 13, 2024
In this episode, we sprint into the life of Jodie Williams, a 3x Olympian from Great Britain, beginning with her early days as an unstoppable young athlete. Jodie recalls her first taste of victory, winning races at school sports days and even being pitted against older boys in a heptathlon when “no one could beat me.” That moment fueled a drive that would guide her to track and field, where she quickly became a standout.
That said, her journey to the Olympics wasn’t without setbacks. She reflects on the heartbreak of missing the London Olympics due to a torn hamstring and feeling overwhelmed in her first Olympic experience in Rio. But by Tokyo, she had found a new mindset: “I just looked up... there was no crowd, but I felt at peace. I thought, 'Wow, I’ve done it.'”
Jodie opens up about the highs and lows of pursuing her dream, describing how fear has been ever-present: “Fear is a huge part of it… if you're dreaming that big, there’s going to be a lot of fear involved. That’s part of the journey.” Learning to manage her inner dialogue, she says, has been essential, as she’s worked to “make friends” with her inner critic and celebrate each small victory. Jodie shares how wherever you are in your journey, she wants you to stop to congratulate yourself today. "Say, 'Good job for getting out of bed, for getting dressed,' because sometimes, that’s the biggest achievement of the day."
Beyond her athletic career, Jodie founded the Listen Journal, a platform for women to share their stories authentically. She’s also found a passion for coffee, seeing it as a way to build community and raise awareness around its history.
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Flame Bearers is a multi-platform media movement illuminating the stories of our world's best women athletes. We tell stories via video, podcast, and live events, centering her story in her words.
For more videos about elite women in sport, subscribe to our YouTube channel ► / @flamebearers
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OUR WEBSITE - https://flamebearers.com/
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00:26:17
Nov 07, 2024
Celina Toth traded in her gymnastics leotard for her swimsuit at age 12, where she quickly rose up the ranks, and consistently maintained her spot on the Canadian National Team since 2008. "I was the oldest diver to ever qualify for their first Olympics in Canada at 28...a testament to my character, that I was never giving up." A 4x World Cup Finalist and CAN Fund recipient, Celina made quite the splash in the world of diving, and did so on her terms, calling the shots for herself. Her motivation? "Every time I step on that platform, I'm diving for the little girl who was told she wasn’t good enough."
And it hasn't been easy. Throughout her career, she's battled toxic training environments, body shaming, and abusive coaches. She shares, "I was told I was too fat, that I’d never get the scores I deserved because of the way I looked...but I made it anyway." In today's conversation, Celina opens up about her decision to retire from competitive sport and in traditional Celina-fashion, is doing it her way: "I’m leaving the sport on my terms, doing it for myself, after standing up to every ‘no’ and every doubter along the way."
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Flame Bearers is a global storytelling platform, illuminating the unsung stories of resilient women Olympians & Paralympians that inspire people to drive change for themselves, in their connections with others, and their communities.
For more videos about elite women in sport, subscribe to our YouTube channel ► / @flamebearers
Follow us -
Instagram - / flamebearers
Facebook - / flamebearerspodcast
Linkedin - / flame-bearers
Tiktok- / flame_bearers
X- / flame_bearers
OUR WEBSITE - https://flamebearers.com/
Leave a comment and tell us what you liked in the video.
If you like the content, subscribe to our channel!
00:39:45
Oct 30, 2024
Chahat Arora is a Indian national record holder in breast stroke who has been one of the most consistent swimmers for her country over the past decade. That said, for Chahat swimming is "more about being happy than being successful. If I'm happy doing what I love, that's good enough for me right now."
In today's conversation, Chahat shares how she grounds herself and develops goals for self improvement. She shares, "Instead of just thinking that I want to go to the Olympics or I want to do this, they should every day try to be better and just compare yourself with who you were yesterday, instead of comparing it to others."
Let's dive in!
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Flame Bearers is a global storytelling platform, illuminating the unsung stories of resilient women athletes who inspire people to drive change for themselves, in their connections with others, and their communities.
For more videos about elite women athletes, subscribe to our YouTube channel ► / @flamebearers
Follow us -
Instagram - / flamebearers
Facebook - / flamebearerspodcast
Linkedin - / flame-bearers
Tiktok- / flame_bearers
X- / flame_bearers
OUR WEBSITE - https://flamebearers.com/
00:18:10
Oct 23, 2024
We heard you loud & clear: you want more athlete's stories, so we responded. Today, we launch Flame Bearers: UNEDITED, a new video and podcast series celebrating the journeys of elite women athletes from around the world at all phases of their journeys: seeking their first international qualifications, a the pinnacle of their careers, and after retirement. In this largely UNEDITED series, we'll meet more athletes than ever before, all at various stages of their paths. This series is different not only because we're broadening who we're featuring, but how we're doing so. In the spirit of bringing you MORE STORIES, the tradeoff is fewer bells + whistles (i.e. animations & fancy sound effects than we normally include in our productions). We think it's worth the trade off so we can elevate more women doing incredible work -- we'd love to hear your thoughts.
To launch this new series, we're kickin' things into gear with Skyler. Skyler is a baker, writer and podcaster (links below), proud dog mom, and a Paralympic tandem pilot. Not sure what that means? As Skyler shares, "Priority number one is always keeping Hannah safe when we ride. My responsibility is to be her eyes and make sure she feels empowered in her journey."
In today's conversation, we hear how Skyler grew up with multiple incredible female athletic role models (including her aunt, an athlete whose name you definitely know...). As Skyler shares, even at an early age, "I was taught most to just follow what was exciting to me, and I’ve been really supported in that way, which I’ve been really lucky."
We talk how she got into para sports and what she wants to dispel about para sports. She shares, "The biggest thing I want to dispel is the idea that para-sports are easy. These athletes are dealing with challenges that make training and racing more difficult, but it’s just as competitive as able-bodied sports."
Check out Skyler's podcast, Sports with Sky and Miche: https://open.spotify.com/show/3X8syAf6Py30nD2tCUGTc2?si=8c3e3c58a1874888
Check out Skyler's blog here: https://empowerwomensports.wordpress.com/
📸: @cbgphoto
📝: photo of Skyler and Hannah at World Championships
00:22:13
Oct 02, 2024
Asmaa is a 2x Olympic judoka and 6x African Champion who came to judo when most athletes are retiring. Now at 41, Asmaa has decided to say goodbye to the mat on her terms and focus on her next chapter. But first, let's hear how she got to where she is today.
She's a Parisian firefighter (the only one in her community), founder, psychologist, daily ice-bath lover, and so much more. Throughout it all, Asmaa's journey has been about continually challenging herself, staying grounded, and playing. “I’m 20 years old with 21 years of experience. I have a child’s spirit.” She shares how, "The word ‘PLAY’ is literally in the world ‘OLYMPIC,’ so you can never forget that we are playing a sport."
We talk about Asmaa's motivation and what gets her up in the morning. “I am driven by helping a human being reach their full potential.” We hear about her hopes for the future of women's sports, and how women (whether they are athletes or not) can support the movement.
This conversation is co-hosted by 2x Olympian and 6x National Figure Skating Champ, Maé-Bérénice Méité.
00:19:40
Sep 25, 2024
Debinha (Deb) and Bia Zaneratto are two of the greatest soccer legends in the game. Both grew up playing with the boys, and in Deb's case often playing with whatever the neighborhood kids could grab that resembled a ball. Bia had her first opportunity to play with girls at 13.
In this conversation we sit down with Deb and Bia together, as they both play for the Kansas City Current in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). This conversation is co-hosted by Maé-Bérénice Méité (2x Olympian and 6X National Figure Skating Champ, France) and conducted in Portuguese with English translation courtesy of Ana Ramos.
If you don't know these two superstars, you should. Deb has played for Brazil in 2X FIFA World Cups, 2X Olympics, and has 130+ caps for her country. In the NWSL, she's wracked up 10,000+ minutes played, and is one of the most decorated players in the league (2x NWSL championships, 3x NWSL shields and multiple MVP titles). Bia skyrocketed onto the world stage at 14, and has since been a veteran of 4X FIFA World Cups (2011, 2015, 2019, 2023) and 2X Olympics. Both of them are on a mission to make the future of women's sports brighter and better than it was for them.
In today's conversation we discuss motivation, overcoming challenges/stereotypes, and their hopes for the future of women's sports. When asked about her early motivation, Deb shares, "The boys wouldn’t let me play soccer with them, so I wanted to show them there was no reason I couldn’t play with them." Similarly, Bia offers, "I wanted to show the boys that I was just as capable. That a woman's place is wherever she wants.”
As both look to the future, they share a commitment to increasing opportunities and support for women and girls in Brazil. Tune in to hear how!
This episode was made possible in partnership with the Kansas City Current. Photo and video credit to the KC Current.
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00:21:48