What does it take to rise above adversity, withstand the pressure of being the “Face of the Games,” and achieve greatness on the biggest stage of all? Jessica Ennis-Hill, one of Britain’s most iconic athletes, shares her inspiring journey of grit, mental toughness, and relentless determination in her autobiography Unbelievable.
Join Dr. Duncan Simpson and Dr. Greg Young as they dive into the extraordinary life and career of this Olympic champion. From her early struggles with bullying to the euphoric high of Olympic victory in London 2012, Jessica’s story offers a powerful blueprint for turning setbacks into comebacks.
Learn how positive self-talk and visualization fueled Jessica’s success in the heptathlon.
Discover the pivotal moments that shaped her journey, from early struggles with bullying to finding her passion for athletics.
Explore the sacrifices and investments required to compete at the highest level, including balancing personal relationships and relentless training.
Understand how Jessica overcame devastating injuries, rebuilt her technique, and emerged stronger than ever.
Reflect on the challenges of fame, public scrutiny, and the mental toll of carrying a nation’s expectations.
Jessica’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of teamwork, and the rewards of embracing the grind in pursuit of greatness. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or someone striving for excellence, this episode is packed with lessons to inspire your own journey.
Listen on Spotify: Spotify
Listen on Apple: Apple
Watch & Listen on YouTube: YouTube
Buy the Book: Jess Ennis Book
Socials:
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Linkedin - Duncan Simpson https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-simpson-ph-d-cmpc-76244b1a/
Linkedin - Greg Young https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-young-ph-d-cmpc-64765a35/
Chapters
00:00 The Olympic Dream: A Moment of Truth
03:35 Jessica Ennis-Hill: A Champion's Journey
05:37 Family Dynamics: The Influence of Parents
08:24 Overcoming Bullying: Finding Strength in Adversity
10:46 Discovering Passion: The Lightning Bolt Moment
12:24 The Reluctant Athlete: A Turning Point
15:11 Sacrifice vs. Investment: The Cost of Greatness
17:33 The Reluctant Athlete: Embracing Commitment
20:20 The Role of Support: Parents and Coaches
21:41 Choosing Home: The Power of Familiarity
27:22 Understanding the Pressure: The Psychology of Sports
28:56 The Importance of a Performance-Focused Mindset
29:52 Balancing Athletics and Academic Commitments
30:13 The Complex Coach-Athlete Relationship
32:35 Embracing Discomfort in Training
35:34 The Impact of Injury on an Athlete's Career
37:05 Coping with Injury and Emotional Resilience
42:02 Rebuilding After Injury: A New Approach
45:05 The Pressure of Competition and Team Dynamics
47:22 Finding Balance Between Sport and Personal Life
49:01 Leadership and the Burden of Captaincy
49:43 The Pressure of Fame and Public Identity
52:38 The Pressure of Performance
55:26 The Weight of Expectations
58:33 The Importance of Social Support
01:02:30 Overcoming External Challenges
01:04:57 The Olympic Experience
01:13:54 The Journey to Victory
