In this special episode, Trent and Brant are joined by former USA Olympian and rugby player Garrett Bender to celebrate reaching episode 21 of their podcast. They discuss Garrett’s unique sports journey, starting with his transition from football to rugby, his high school achievements, and the camaraderie of playing on a team filled with talented athletes.
Garrett recounts his early years, highlighting a loophole that allowed top athletes to join his rugby team, which led to an outstanding sophomore season. He also reflects on his senior year, where he became state MVP, and his decision to leave college football for rugby. Sharing memories from his time with the Young Bloods rugby club, he talks about their impressive performance at nationals, the development of USA Rugby, and the exciting opportunity of competing in the Olympics as contracts became available.
As they explore Garrett’s experiences on the USA Rugby Sevens team, he opens up about the evolution of coaching styles, the impact of injuries, and the values of teamwork and cultural respect. He recalls a memorable victory over New Zealand, discussing both the highs and the challenges faced by the team, along with the lessons learned from each experience.
Garrett then reflects on his journey to the Olympics, sharing the triumphs and heartbreaks, particularly during the historic 2015 season. He offers candid insights into the mental health struggles he encountered, underscoring the importance of support from teammates. His reflections on the Olympic experience capture both the thrill of competition and the personal challenges he faced.
The conversation takes a lighter turn as Garrett shares stories of encounters with sports icons like Kevin Durant and Michael Phelps. He offers a behind-the-scenes look at the Olympic experience, from the excitement of the opening ceremony to the stark realities of living conditions for many athletes. He also touches on the financial challenges Olympic athletes face, highlighting the business side of the games. As they wrap up, Garrett reflects on life after rugby, discussing identity and the importance of the skills he’s gained through sports.
In the latter part of the episode, Trent and Brant shift gears to discuss recent performances by the Vikings, analyzing their defensive strategies, offensive concerns, and the impact of injuries. They also touch on historical rivalries, upcoming games, and provide quick updates on other sports, including the WNBA and NCAA. The conversation is lively and full of humor, as they celebrate their favorite teams and look forward to future matchups.
Rugby Highlights:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kbmSohVaRs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7pSU9FMbHI
#Podcast #Rugby #Sports #GarrettBender #Olympian #Achievements #Episode21 #HighSchoolSports #USARugby #YouthSports #OlympicRugby #TeamDynamics #RugbySevens #Coaching #Injuries #PersonalGrowth #NationalTeam #CulturalRespect #MentalHealth #Competition #Victory #Defeat #NFL #Vikings #WNBA #NCAA
00:00
Introduction and Guest Introduction
05:59
Garrett's Sports Background and Transition to Rugby
11:47
High School Achievements and Team Dynamics
22:35
The Loophole Advantage in High School Sports
31:11
Transitioning to Rugby: The Young Bloods
39:14
The Rise of USA Rugby: Contracts and Opportunities
45:26
The Olympic Dream: Preparing for the Future
52:40
The Evolution of Coaching in Rugby Sevens
01:00:00
The Impact of New Coaching Strategies
01:09:16
Building a Competitive Team
01:15:58
Overcoming Giants: Beating New Zealand
01:21:44
The Thrill of Victory and the Agony of Defeat
01:32:17
Olympic Dreams and Realities
01:39:20
Mental Health and Personal Struggles
01:47:40
Unexpected Encounters with Sports Icons
01:54:35
The Reality of Olympic Living Conditions
02:01:24
The Struggles of Underrated Athletes
02:16:10
Defensive Strategies and Game Analysis
02:22:28
Historical Context and Rivalries
02:30:04
Wrap-Up and Future Discussions
