79. Making a difference through sport with 3 time Olympian Hugo Inglis
Welcome to an electrifying episode of the Pursuit of Gold podcast as Laura sits down with three-time Olympian and esteemed member of the New Zealand Black Sticks hockey team, Hugo Inglis, to discuss his remarkable journey in the pursuit of excellence. One of the world's most revered field hockey players - currently training towards his fourth Olympic Games in Paris 2024 - Hugo is not only a successful, multifaceted athlete, but he has also excelled in the realm of academia, earning an MBA with distinction. Today, he and Laura delve into the depths of the mental game in sports, the arduous journey of a professional athlete, and the power of unwavering dedication.
Together, they peel back the layers of what it takes to excel in the world of elite sports as they review Hugo's humble beginnings on the fields of New Zealand to the grand stage of the Olympic Games to Managing Director of High Impact Athlete. The duo explores the trials and triumphs of a professional athlete, reveal the power of mindfulness in boosting performance and nurturing mental well-being, and share invaluable advice on cultivating mental skills from an early age. As the conversation unfolds, you'll be transported to different corners of the globe, as Hugo shares his experiences of playing field hockey in various countries, the unique challenges and rewards that come with that, and the unyielding determination and unbreakable spirit that propelled him to such greatness. This is an episode you won't want to miss, as Laura and Hugo unearth the keys to pursuing excellence, unveil the secrets of a gold-medal mindset, and take you on a journey that will leave you inspired, motivated, and yearning for more.
Episode Highlights:
The role of mindfulness in enhancing performance and mental well-being
Hugo’s journey to becoming a professional athlete
Maintaining a love for the game and embracing one's strengths
Strategies for overcoming self-doubt and finding joy in the pursuit of excellence
Perfection, personal growth, and recognizing one's progress
Mental well-being and the significance of identity beyond winning or losing
Overcoming challenges
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sports
Balancing professional team commitments and national team obligations
Hugo’s motivation in pursuing an MBA
High Impact Athletes
Quotes:
"I think it's a really beneficial part of my development, was never quite settling."
"Remember what your best part is, what you bring to the game, whatever sport you're playing, and recognize that and be proud of it and own that and let that be your just kind of magic sauce."
"It's about more than just the medal at the end of the competition... I wanted to find out how great I could be."
"Perfection itself is not truly attainable, but the pursuit of perfection is a good thing when we can recognize that we might never get there."
"Our self-worth or value is not dependent on achieving perfection."
"The surgery and the recovery from the surgery was easy. The hard part was standing still for six months to a year with the recurrent back problems."
"When you have purpose, a purpose-based performance, it's going to drive you far more than if you're doing it out of fear or something else."
Links:
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