#45 - Aisyah Rafaee - The Real Cost of Chasing Dreams: IVF, Fertility & the Olympics

from Abnormal · host Pete Laverick

In this episode, Aisyah Rafaee shares her incredible journey as Singapore's first Olympic rower, discussing the challenges of crowdfunding her way to the Olympics, the pressures of competing, and her experiences with mental health and IVF. Aisyah emphasises the importance of resilience, community support, and the lessons learned from her athletic career as she transitions into coaching and navigates the complexities of family planning. Her candid reflections on the emotional toll of IVF and the societal pressures faced by women in sports provide valuable insights for listeners all over the World.Chapters00:00 Aisyah's Journey to the Olympics03:02 The Pressure of Competing06:11 Mental Resilience and Journaling09:05 Transitioning from Athlete to Coach11:52 The Road to Paris 202415:06 Finding Joy in Rowing17:56 Lessons Learned Through Rowing21:06 Core Values and Life After Sports30:01 Cultural Transition: A Move to America33:00 Navigating the IVF Journey41:51 Mental Resilience in the Face of Challenges53:50 Support Systems and Community57:59 Embracing Vulnerability and Personal GrowthCheck out Aisyah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariesyah/?hl=en

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Aug 24, 2025

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#45 - Aisyah Rafaee - The Real Cost of Chasing Dreams: IVF, Fertility & the Olympics

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