Eight Seconds and Nine Months: Teal Cohen on Getting Cut, Getting Strong and Getting Gold - Episode 46

From being cut from the US National Team to becoming a World Champion.Teal Cohen's story is one of resilience, belief and relentless consistency.In this episode of Mercantile Radio, Teal shares how one phone call changed her mindset, why consistency beats intensity, and how the USA Women's Four rebuilt itself into World Champions.An inspiring conversation for athletes, coaches, leaders and anyone striving to improve.Who is Teal Cohen OLY?Teal Cohen is one of the rising stars of USA Rowing and a member of the 2025 World Championship-winning Women's Four. A Paris 2024 Olympian in the Women's Quadruple Scull and NCAA Champion with the University of Washington, Teal has become known for her resilience, relentless work ethic and commitment to continuous improvement.After the disappointment of the Paris Olympic Games, she rebuilt her confidence, transformed her physical performance and helped lead the United States back to the top of the world in sweep rowing. Today she trains full-time at the US High Performance Centre in Princeton while balancing a professional career outside rowing.Why This Conversation MattersWhat do you do after your Olympic dream doesn't go the way you hoped?For Teal Cohen, the answer was simple: go back to work.Following the Paris Olympics, Teal returned to the USA sweep squad alongside teammates carrying similar disappointment. Less than a year later they stood together as World Champions.Resilience After SetbackOlympic disappointment became the motivation rather than the end of the journey. Teal explains how setbacks can become powerful fuel for future success.The Power of Great CoachingOne phone call from her former college coach completely changed her perspective after missing selection. Instead of sympathy, she received belief, clarity and a plan.Consistency WinsRather than chasing miracle sessions, Teal focused on showing up every day. A disciplined winter of training resulted in an eight-second improvement on her 2km erg.Building Championship CultureThe USA Women's Four developed trust through everyday training, shared challenges and enjoying difficult sessions together.Trust Before PerformanceChampionship crews are built long before race day. Trust is created through countless sessions where teammates consistently show up for one another.Individualised High PerformanceUSA Rowing is embracing sports science and personalised training programs, recognising that athletes respond differently and perform best with individual support.Looking Towards LA 2028With Los Angeles on the horizon, Teal discusses why the current Olympic cycle is the ideal time to experiment, learn and continue building speed. You can quote us on that"You have nine months until Olympic selection. That's plenty of time.""The easiest way to get faster is to keep doing what you're doing—consistently.""To walk away as a World Champion after a less-than-great Olympic experience was just awesome.""The most important thing in any boat is trusting the people you're rowing with.""With success comes so many losses that people never see."Hosted by: Drew Ginn OAMGuest: Teal Cohen USAProduced by: Nicholas FinsterSponsored by Choice Capital and 776BCPresented by Mercantile Rowing Club