How To Train Like An Olympian with Hashimoto’s

Description

In this episode of Thyroid Strong, Dr. Emily Kiberd is joined by Jackie Ulm, a former Olympian and lifelong athlete, to talk about training hard with Hashimoto’s—and why strength training may be the key to thriving with an autoimmune condition.

Jackie shares her journey from competing in the 2004 Athens Olympics in the hammer throw to being diagnosed with Hashimoto’s in 2008, and how she’s learned to manage symptoms through nutrition, medication, supplementation, and consistent training. From weightlifting to road cycling, Jackie shows that women with Hashimoto’s don’t need to shrink back from exercise, they just need the right approach.

You’ll hear how she balances medication, gluten and dairy-free living, sleep optimisation, and recovery practices to keep her energy and performance high, plus her perspective on why strength training helps women not only feel physically strong but also handle life’s inevitable stresses with more resilience.

If you’ve ever felt hesitant to lift weights because of your Hashimoto’s diagnosis, this episode is a must-listen. Jackie’s story is both inspiring and practical—reminding us that strength and autoimmune disease can co-exist, and that consistency is often more important than perfection.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Jackie’s path from high school athlete to Olympian in the hammer throw
Her Hashimoto’s diagnosis in 2008 and the surprising reaction from her naturopath
Why gluten and dairy removal made a major difference in her symptoms
How she combines T3/T4 medication with supplements for long-term management
What zone 2 training is and why she integrates it with lifting
The role of sleep, recovery, and smart nutrition in keeping symptoms at bay
Why strength training helps women show up to stress differently
Practical advice for women starting their weightlifting journey