This week we have a unique episode: In the summer of 2019, Steve O’Mara had a crash when a dog jumped out of a car at him while he was racing during a local triathlon, which led to an undiagnosed brain bleed and ultimately emergency brain surgery three months later. Steve’s also our host's husband, so the two of them share all the details of what it's like for an athlete to work through those challenges, symptoms, and lessons they've learned.
He talks about what it’s like coming back from brain surgery, what things other athletes should be aware of, and how exercise can help with traumatic brain injuries. He also talks about hitting the Olympic standard in cross-country skiing this winter and earning a spot for Ireland to Beijing—and how that didn’t quite work out either. And what’s like to finally be riding back outside after two years.
First, though, a quick chat with Laura Siddall, who was recently appointed to the Pro Triathletes Organization board.