#18 Burnout, Breakdowns & a New Beginning — Georgia Nanscawen’s Journey from Professional Hockey to AFLW

Former Olympian and elite dual-sport athlete Georgia Nanscawen joins the podcast to discuss the high cost of giving everything to your sport, the reality of burnout, and the courage it takes to redefine your identity. From the hockey Olympic world stage (205 caps, London Olympics) to becoming one of the best AFLW players, Georgia proves you can hit rock bottom, step away, and find joy in competition again. This is a vital conversation about purpose, identity, finding happiness, and choosing yourself - even if it means starting over.Key TakeawaysThe Weight of Identity: Separating self-worth from athlete performance and the anxiety of a sport-consumed identity.Damaging Culture: Pressure, anxiety, and body image issues created by mandatory skinfold testing and restrictive diet advice in elite hockey.The Courage to Walk Away: Quitting hockey after the love diminished and training became a chore.Rebuilding Through Fun: Transitioning to local football led to an AFLW career.Leading by Actions: Finding success as a captain in VFLW after being told she wasn't a leader in hockey.Power of Perspective: Resilience learned through long-term injury (ACL recovery) and non-selection.Age is Just a Number: Still improving her game at 33, proving fun and love for the sport are the only real limits.Georgia’s Sporting Journey: Concrete NumbersHockeyroos Caps: 205 games, youngest female Australian player to reach 100 and 150 caps.Olympic Appearance: Competed in the London Olympics (2012).Commonwealth Games: Gold at Glasgow.AFLW Start: Signed as the first ever AFLW player for Essendon.VFLW Success: Essendon VFL Best and Fairest and captain/co-captain of the premiership-winning VFLW side.Timestamps 00:36 — Introduction: Olympian Georgia Nanscawen on burnout and rebuilding. 01:56 — Hockey roots: From a young debut to a decorated career. 04:28 — Playing with the boys and dominating early in her hockey development. 07:32 — Balancing an elite athlete career with high school. 14:16 — The London 2012 Olympics experience. 17:37 — Missing out on Rio 2016 and the challenge of being a traveling reserve. 30:47 — The love for hockey diminishes; when training felt like a chore. 33:28 — The final emotional breakdown: quitting hockey after her last game.  39:05 — Getting signed by North Melbourne AFLW and returning to professional sport. 42:00 — Delisted from North Melbourne and refocusing at Essendon VFLW. 50:09 — Becoming Essendon's first AFLW signing but tearing her ACL in the grand final. 52:31 — ACL recovery and the resilience it taught her. 56:23 — Advice: Age is just a number; finding your love of the sport. 59:29 — Advice to her younger self: Appreciate the moment and your teammates.Fuel your game the right way - 4TG listeners get 10% off Younify Active supplements designed for athletes. 👉 Grab yours hereIf this episode inspired you, please subscribe, leave a five-star review, and share it with a female athlete or coach who needs to hear it.Stay connected with us on Instagram at @4TG_Podcast. Support the 4TG mission on Buy Me a Coffee, every contribution helps us spotlightSupport the showABOUT THE HOSTKylie Lynch is the Founder and Host of 4TG (For The Girls), a podcast and platform on a mission to keep more girls and women in sport.A VFLW athlete, Australian representative in Polocrosse, coach, mentor and media/communications professional, Kylie has spent her career at the intersection of sport, media and community impact. Through 4TG, she shares the stories, lessons and experiences of elite athletes, coaches and industry leaders to help girls and women build confidence, navigate challenges and stay involved in sport for longer. Because sport doesn't just build athletes. It builds confidence, resilience, leadership, connection and opportunities that positively impact girls and women both on and off the field.Connect with Kylie:Instagram: @kylie__lynchLinkedIn: Kylie LynchWebsite: www.4tg.com.auEmail: [email protected] THE 4TG COMMUNITY4TG exists to help keep more girls and women in sport.Through powerful conversations with athletes, coaches, experts and industry leaders, we're building a community where girls and women feel inspired, supported and empowered to stay in the game.Instagram: @4tg_podcastTikTok: ...