Episode 34 - McLain Ward - Unapologetically Competitive

Send us Fan MailMcLain Ward has had the pressure of trying to be “the best” on his shoulders since he first had success in the equitation ring winning both the USEF and USET Medal Finals at the age of 14 .36 years and 5 Olympic medals in show jumping later, he is very forthcoming about the pressure he still feels and the anxiety that goes  along with it-especially on those days when he is the anchor rider for the team. However, he is quick to admit that grit, determination and hard work have always been on his side and ultimately his competitive nature will win over his nerves. He is “in it to win it”. 2 Pan American Individual Gold Medals and 17 World Cup Finals have not lessened his desire to be the best.He is also the first to acknowledge that he wouldn’t have any of his success without the support of his team at the farm (especially Lee and Erica McKeever) and his own family. His daughter Lilly in particular keeps him humble.McLain share his approach to training and where he thinks the sport is heading.He even tells me what he is thinking about when he is on the podium - it’s not what you might think.At the end of the conversation it is very clear that McLain’s success hasn’t happened by chance!Shout out to my listeners in Virginia and Florida-appreciated the fan mail!😊🐎This episode is brought to you by the international law firm of Cooley LLP.Clients partner with Cooley on transformative deals, complex IP and regulatory matters , and high-stakes litigation. Our connection to the law firm comes through Cooley Partner and jumper rider Cullen Drescher , who competes in the High Amateur and Grand Prix levels in addition to leading Cooley's Business Restructuring practice from the firm's offices in New York City.