3-Time Olympian Anicka Newell on Fear, Performance & Working With Your Nervous System

In this episode of The Hidden Story, Dr. Vassilia sits down with Anicka Newell — a 3-time Olympian and elite pole vaulter — for a conversation about fear, pressure, resilience, and what it really takes to perform at the highest level without abandoning yourself in the process.Together, they explore:What fear actually feels like at the Olympic levelWhy resisting fear often makes it strongerLearning to work with your nervous system instead of against itThe psychology of high performance and self-trustHow identity, pressure, and perfectionism affect athletes and everyday people alikeWhat it means to keep pursuing what you love, even when fear is presentHow Anicka now helps others regulate their nervous systems and embrace discomfort differentlyThis episode is about more than sports. It’s about the hidden story underneath fear — and how growth often comes from learning to move with it rather than trying to eliminate it.If this episode resonated with you, make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations on resilience, psychology, performance, healing, and the patterns that shape our lives.