A Winning Mindset, an award-winning partnership between the International Paralympic Committee and Allianz, is a fascinating journey into the minds of Paralympians, with experiences that can benefit your own personal and professional life.
The official podcast of the Paralympic Games provides a platform for Para athletes to talk about their empowering and inspirational stories and allows each athlete to showcase their true personalities.
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Episodes go beyond Paralympic stories by covering a range of educational, mental health and self-improvement themes. Athletes also tackle subjects that are close to their hearts and of interest to fans. Issues explored include finding purpose, wellbeing, motivation, changing attitudes, overcoming failure, support systems, resilience, positivity, diversity and inclusion, body confidence and many more.
Allianz is a long-standing partner of the International Paralympic Committee. Together, we bring you this series of podcasts. We will introduce you to stories with Paralympians that will spark confidence in your everyday life. Stories of challenges, ups and downs, determination, and excellence. Stories that demonstrate the true power of having the right team behind you. And prepare you for what’s ahead.
The Paralympic podcast series is presented by British broadcaster Andy Stevenson, who has reported on the Paralympic Games since 2012 for BBC and Channel 4.
Featured athletes include Tatyana McFadden, Jonnie Peacock and Arly Velasquez. Make sure you subscribe to hear upcoming episodes from athletes including Marcel Hug and Anastasia Pagonis.
S1 Ep15: Bruno Bosnjak on overcoming trauma
Nov 27, 2020
Show notesCroatian snowboarder Bruno Bosnjak speaks candidly about the trauma of breaking his back twice, and how he overcame his darkest days to become a Paralympic medallist.
Bosnjak was severely injured after a snowboard accident when training for the Olympics in 2006. “I remember everything. I never lost consciousness. I was going 60km per hour and someone came underneath me in the air. Then when I was lying there in the finish and I wanted to move, I can’t move," he says. "The craziest thing about that was I just... It's not that I could not move, the body was not here. I just felt my head. Then they said the spinal cord is probably cut.” Bosnjak, who maintains that "all of my life is rehab", emerged from hospital intent on returning to sport and the world of snowboarding, although a second serious incident left him with a broken vertebrae and put those plans on hold again. “It ended in a very dangerous surgery where the doctor said that I could die again. I’m always fearing death in my life. I was going to risk it because I didn’t want to stay in this dislocated position. I’d rather risk my life than have a life where I cannot do anything because I have to take care of my neck all the time," he said. And yet, despite two major near-death experiences, Bosnjak did return to the slopes, and explains in detail how he was able to overcome the trauma in his life to win Winter Paralympics bronze in PyeongChang. Learning topics for this episode include overcoming trauma, mental strength, the importance of family, defiance and determination. Allianz is a long-standing partner of the International Paralympic Committee. Together, we’re proud to bring you A Winning Mindset: Lessons From The Paralympics. We aim to help you move forward in all aspects of your personal and professional life. By hearing from Paralympic stars, you’ll be introduced to stories that inspire and change the way you think. Stories of facing life’s challenges with confidence, determination and excellence, and the true power of having the right team behind you.
S1 Ep14: RJ Mitte: Bonus episode
Nov 26, 2020
Show notesRJ Mitte answers YOUR questions about life with a disability and offers some tips to help you improve every day. The Hollywood actor, best known for appearing in Breaking Bad, discusses his life as part of a special short episode in which he answers questions sent in from social media! “People think of habits as a negative. But I focus on positive habits. What are things you can do that subconsciously turn into a habit?" says Mitte, who was part of British broadcaster Channel 4's presenting team at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio. "With cerebral palsy, a lot of what I’m saying has been programmed in my brain to say it when I want to say it. A lot of people with CP have a delay and it’s making that delay shorter for the brain communicating to the body. Making the brain and the body one is a key factor.” To listen to the full episode with RJ and many other Paralympians including Jonnie Peacock and Tatyana McFadden, search ‘A Winning Mindset: Lessons From The Paralympics’. Allianz is a long-standing partner of the International Paralympic Committee. Together, we’re proud to bring you A Winning Mindset: Lessons From The Paralympics. We aim to help you move forward in all aspects of your personal and professional life. By hearing from Paralympic stars, you’ll be introduced to stories that inspire and change the way you think. Stories of facing life’s challenges with confidence, determination and excellence, and the true power of having the right team behind you.
S1 Ep13: RJ Mitte on what Hollywood can learn from the Paralympics
Nov 20, 2020
Show notesBreaking Bad star RJ Mitte joins us on A Winning Mindset: Lessons From The Paralympics to discuss his love of the Paralympic Games and why he believes Hollywood should be doing more for persons with a disability. Mitte, who starred as Walt Jr in the hit Netflix show, Breaking Bad, talks about how the entertainment industry can represent disability better, particularly after recent backlash over the portrayal of limb difference in The Witches. "It’s a marketing ploy," he admits. "They don't care how it blows up, as long as it blows up for long enough to get a return. And when it comes to showing people with disabilities as a hero, it's a case of look at that person overcoming adversity. "The only time you see a disabled hero is when they're in a wheelchair and then walking. There's so many of those that we need to go away from and strive for better." The American actor also spoke on how his role has not only changed him, but how it may have the power to influence other disabled actors. "The closest person I had to relate to (growing up) was Forrest Gump. But he wasn't really disabled," he says. "But I'm now very honoured we have a Walt Jr to look at and to not just be a disabled person, but a pivotal part of a family. Walt Jr set a tone for what we are striving for in the arts and media." Beyond being an actor, Mitte travelled to Rio 2016 as part of the Channel 4 broadcasting team, and he is counting down the days until Tokyo 2020. "Growing up I watched the Olympics but I also watched the Paralympics. I hung around to the end and it was always amazing to see feats that so many people believed were impossible that were actually possible and getting the opportunity to go to Rio, see all the sports and be a part of the team... it really changed my life when it came to perspective. Just seeing this true strength of valour for everyone." Learning topics for this episode include diversity and inclusion, disability representation, understanding disabilities, and breaking down barriers. Allianz is a long-standing partner of the International Paralympic Committee. Together, we’re proud to bring you this series of podcasts. We aim to help you move forward in all aspects of your personal and professional life. By hearing from Paralympic stars, you’ll be introduced to stories that inspire and change the way you think. Stories of facing life’s challenges with confidence, determination and excellence, and the true power of having the right team behind you.
S1 Ep12: Manuela Schär on Performance Management
Nov 13, 2020
Show notes
Para athletics star Manuela Schär speaks about how to manage performance and stay at the pinnacle of sport. In the latest episode of A Winning Mindset: Lessons From The Paralympics, Schär provides an insight into how she manages her training, lifestyle and mindset in order to continue her domination of the marathon scene. "I think as an athlete, it's really important how you deal with disappointment also, because it's gonna be a part of your life – no matter what," says the Swiss wheelchair racer. "You can turn bad experiences or not reaching a goal into something really good, or it can go in a really bad way. I think I somehow turned it into something good and took it as a teacher or a motivation to grow. You learn from every mistake." The Paralympic Games medallist also opened up on how she recovered from a playground accident as a child that left her paralysed to become a multiple marathon champion. "It was definitely the most difficult time of my life" she recalls. "Of course it not only changed my life but also my whole family’s life. I missed my friends, and that's just the one side. "The other side of course is just that your body changes and you have to learn what happened to your body. What will be and how you have to take care of it and get back into a normal life and that took many years." Schär also reflects on the importance of her coach and training partners in order to maintain her high levels of performance, while sharing a scoring system that keeps her at the top of her game. Learning topics for this episode include performance management, determination, maintaining focus, dedication and the importance of a support network. Allianz is a long-standing partner of the International Paralympic Committee. Together, we’re proud to bring you this series of podcasts. We aim to help you move forward in all aspects of your personal and professional life. By hearing from Paralympic stars, you’ll be introduced to stories that inspire and change the way you think. Stories of facing life’s challenges with confidence, determination and excellence, and the true power of having the right team behind you.
S1 Ep11: Peter Pal Kiss on Resilience
Nov 06, 2020
Show notes
Hungarian Peter Pal Kiss discusses how he fought back from Guillain-Barré Syndrome to become a world champion on the water aged just 16. Taken ill aged eight and having spent much of his childhood in hospital, Kiss emerged from the uncertainty of where his life would go to find Para canoe, the home of his achievements. "I am very happy that I found this sport - I almost feel like this sport was made for me. I immediately fell in love with canoeing and from then on I never stopped. I've always loved sports but I felt like I finally found myself and who I am because of canoeing." The now 17-year-old has been allowed to find himself through sport, but one thing he has also found within his mindset is an incredible resilience, aided by his support bubble. "I would say (my resilience) comes from everyone because I received a lot of positive feedback and support which has motivated me to never give up - which crossed my mind a few times. But my message is: never give up. Maybe right now things aren’t looking bright and promising and you think you are going through hell, but trust me, things will always get better in time." Kiss also discusses his early days of competing, hopes for the future and why he’s hoping to be seeing double after Tokyo. Learning topics for this episode include resilience, mental health, the importance of family, defiance and self-acceptance. Allianz is a long-standing partner of the International Paralympic Committee. Together, we’re proud to bring you this series of podcasts. We aim to help you move forward in all aspects of your personal and professional life. By hearing from Paralympic stars, you’ll be introduced to stories that inspire and change the way you think. Stories of facing life’s challenges with confidence, determination and excellence, and the true power of having the right team behind you.
S1 Ep10: Todd Hodgetts on Life with a Non-Visible Disability
Oct 30, 2020
Show notes
Todd ‘The Hulk’ Hodgetts speaks candidly about life with autism in Australia and why he refuses to let disability control his life. He talks about focusing on what he can do and his coping strategies for managing his emotions and learning new skills. Hodgetts, a two-time Paralympian who won F20 shot put gold at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, opened up on how his intellectual impairment has affected his life, how he has learnt to interact with others and his early years dealing with his disability. "I was eight years of age. It wasn't great. It's like you've just jumped off a bridge or a cliff, one of the hardest days of my life. 'How am I going to get out of this situation and try and act as normal as possible?' Then, when I was 16, I said to the doctor: 'Am I cured yet?' because I had more tests. He just laughed. I didn't really want this when I was born, I just wanted to be normal and live a normal life." The gentle giant of Paralympics Australia is a fighter and a true great of his sport. You could say he’s taken his inspiration from the movies – and one franchise in particular. “My life is beginning now, I'm still learning things. It's not over until it's over. That's from the Rocky movies, it's one of my mottos and you just have to keep going. I’m a local boy from Tasmania who never had anything in life because people said I had a few learning difficulties. He becomes an undisputed champion of the world. Keep on keeping on.” Hodgetts’ story is one of bravery, barrier breaking behaviours and an outlook on the world that is mixed with religion, love and humour. Learning topics for this episode include mental health, non-visible disabilities, strength training, religion, interacting with others and inspiration. Allianz is a long-standing partner of the International Paralympic Committee. Together, we’re proud to bring you this series of podcasts. We aim to help you move forward in all aspects of your personal and professional life. By hearing from Paralympic stars, you’ll be introduced to stories that inspire and change the way you think. Stories of facing life’s challenges with confidence, determination and excellence, and the true power of having the right team behind you
S1 Ep9: Sherif Osman on the Importance of Willpower
Oct 23, 2020
Show notes
Three-time Paralympian Sherif Osman takes time out from his training to discuss a career in sport and how incredible willpower has turned him into a sporting great. Egyptian powerlifter Osman was born with polio. Growing up in a small rural village, it presented challenges and an uncertain future. But Osman was different and determined to succeed in life, he left for a new challenge in Cairo. "When I took my decision to leave my village, everyone said 'Hey Sherif, why are you leaving?' But I wanted to just try. I came here to Cairo and never went back again, just to visit my family. Now I have work, sport, friends. Life is good." Osman, one of the faces of Para powerlifting, has won three gold medals from three successive Paralympic Games (Beijing, London and Rio) and has his sights set not only on Tokyo 2020, but 2024 in Paris and 2028 in Los Angeles too. Osman speaks in depth about how trusting and believing in himself is at the root of his incredible drive. "It's difficult, but not impossible" is his mantra. He also talks about has used his platform to become a role model to others, even counting Liverpool and Egypt footballer Mo Salah as a friend. He discusses the importance his family and friends have played in his life and career and why determination and willpower to succeed can be a power for good. "Everyone has a good achievement. I like sport because it sends a message for all that our flag can rise in every land without fights. This is sport." Learning topics for this episode include willpower, determination, defying expectations, family, overcoming setbacks, disability representation, accessibility and being a role model. Allianz is a long-standing partner of the International Paralympic Committee. Together, we’re proud to bring you this series of podcasts. We aim to help you move forward in all aspects of your personal and professional life. By hearing from Paralympic stars, you’ll be introduced to stories that inspire and change the way you think. Stories of facing life’s challenges with confidence, determination and excellence, and the true power of having the right team behind you
S1 Ep8: Ellen Keane on Being a Role Model
Oct 16, 2020
Show notes
Ellen Keane sits down for an emotional discussion about how years of being conscious about her disability led to her becoming an international role model for young people across the world. Keane, who represents Ireland in Para swimming, was born with a disability that she describes as her "lucky fin", but spent many of her teenage years hiding it from the world and not accepting herself. "I had convinced myself that I was unworthy of love, less of a person. I was so afraid of not being good enough and nobody would accept me." But when she took to the pool, Keane’s life changed and transformed her into an advocate for change and example for thousands of people worldwide. From Allianz telling her story in television adverts and on posters across Dublin, to Ellen using her social media platforms as an opportunity to engage with people whose situation she has been in, she has become not only a sporting idol but also a media personality. "I was a Paralympian at 13. I met a girl in Australia and I was the first person she’d ever met with an arm like hers. I just told her 'we can have fun with it.' I now FaceTime her and tell her how important it is to not hide her arm. It’s her little magic thing that nobody else has got. Being different is in fashion these days... so, roll with it!" Allianz is a long-standing partner of the International Paralympic Committee. Together, we’re proud to bring you this series of podcasts. We aim to help you move forward in all aspects of your personal and professional life. By hearing from Paralympic stars, you’ll be introduced to stories that inspire and change the way you think. Stories of facing life’s challenges with confidence, determination and excellence, and the true power of having the right team behind you.
S1 Ep7: Daniel Chan on Self-Acceptance
Oct 09, 2020
Show notes
Daniel Chan opens up on how he learnt to accept himself and his disability after a road traffic accident in 2008. The Para badminton player from Hong Kong was injured in a car accident aged 22, with the next 10 months of his life spent living in hospital and undergoing over 15 operations, culminating in the loss of his leg. “When I first woke up, I was in ICU. I asked my doctor 'have I lost my legs?' and he said I had lost one. And I made a joke and said, 'but I’m still alive, right?'" The loss of his leg changed Chan’s mentality, recalling the shame he felt when looking in the mirror after the accident and how he struggled to cope in the months and years afterwards, a time he recalls as being 'the dark age' of his life. "The reality of the real world was a problem. In hospital, everyone had a physical problem. Nobody discriminated you. In the real world, everyone is normal. You are the minority. They put their eyes on me because I look strange. It makes you uncomfortable. But I needed to continue my life." And in the 12 years since his accident, that is what he has done, accepting his disability and thriving in his life both as a person and as a sporting idol. Chan also spoke about his life in sport, where he is the world’s leading Para badminton player in his classification. Ahead of the sport’s Paralympic Games introduction at Tokyo 2020, he explains the importance of the Games in reaching the pinnacle of his sporting life after numerous World Championship medals. Learning topics for this episode include self-acceptance, self-understanding, overcoming trauma, the importance of family and personal growth. Allianz is a long-standing partner of the International Paralympic Committee. Together, we’re proud to bring you this series of podcasts. We aim to help you move forward in all aspects of your personal and professional life. By hearing from Paralympic stars, you’ll be introduced to stories that inspire and change the way you think. Stories of facing life’s challenges with confidence, determination and excellence, and the true power of having the right team behind you.
S1 Ep6: Grace Wembolua on Body Confidence
Oct 02, 2020
Show notes
Grace Wembolua is the focus of episode six of A Winning Mindset: Lessons From The Paralympics and talks in depth about the importance of body confidence. Wembolua, who lost both legs in an arson attack aged four, has grown from a teenager scared to show her scars and prosthetic legs to her closest friends into an international icon for body confidence, modelling and working with the likes of L'Oréal, Marie Claire and ASOS. Reflecting on the fire, Wembolua recalled: "I literally just walked into the flames. And that’s when I started getting burned. I woke up three months after in hospital and my dad was sitting next to me, dressed as a surgeon. I asked him right away 'Where is mum? Where is my brother?' He started crying. And that’s how I knew that they were gone.” Wembolua, who represented France in wheelchair basketball at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, has become a role model for thousands across the world through her media work and focus on body confidence. "As a little girl, I always wanted to become famous or to be a star and I never thought it possible or saw anybody looking different on TV. Now I want to show people that in a society where you’re meant to fit in, we are a rainbow of different colours and shades and bodies. I just want people to feel empowered and brave whenever they see me or my story." The athlete, who lives in Cannes, also speaks in depth about her scars and how she has embraced them. She reflects on how she has learned to live with the perceptions of others and how she works on building her self-esteem and body positivity. The story of Wembolua is one of defiance and self-belief, as well as a powerful drive to inspire others to be happy with the way they look and become a positive role model for people globally. Learning topics for this episode include body confidence, social media management, recovering from trauma, being a role model and brand management. Allianz is a long-standing partner of the International Paralympic Committee. Together, we’re proud to bring you this series of podcasts. We aim to help you move forward in all aspects of your personal and professional life. By hearing from Paralympic stars, you’ll be introduced to stories that inspire and change the way you think. Stories of facing life’s challenges with confidence, determination and excellence, and the true power of having the right team behind you.
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