Flame Bearers: Young Talent

After nearly 400 conversations with Olympians, Paralympians, and trailblazing women athletes from 55 countries, one thing is clear: no two stories are alike. Some athletes train with world-class facilities, others without basic equipment. Some are household names, others are fighting for visibility in sports you’ve never even seen on TV. And yet, across all these differences, certain themes echo again and again. That’s what this new Best Of series is all about: spotlighting both the range of experiences and the threads that connect them. We’ve pulled together the most powerful moments across years of conversations, including: ✨ Best Advice to Younger Selves — from “give yourself grace to be a beginner” to “don’t dim your light for anyone.” ✨ Best Stories of Resilience — tales of athletes coming back from devastating injuries, near-misses, and moments when the world doubted them most. You’ll hear voices as different as the sports they represent, yet together, they reveal what it really takes to rise to the top. This isn’t just one story. It’s hundreds woven together. And this is just the beginning. 🎧 In this episode: Young Talent Kokona Hiraki (Japan, skateboarding) shares the joy of progression and skateboarding’s artistry beyond contests. Lauren Scruggs (USA, foil fencing) reflects on sibling-fueled beginnings and channeling fierce role models. Taylor Winnett (Paralympic swimming) recounts injury, discovering para sport, and choosing the pool over a paycheck. Regina Salmons (USA, rowing) explores body changes, belonging, and valuing feel over aesthetics. Farida Osman (Egypt, swimming) explains longevity through seasonal resets to avoid burnout. Jackie Dubrovich (USA, foil fencing) celebrates creativity, adaptability, and real-time problem solving. Bryony Page (Great Britain, trampoline) details retraining mind and body to move through fear. These voices frame talent as curiosity guided by resilience and rest—and offer listeners practical ways to nurture it. Flame Bearers is a women's sports storytelling studio, illuminating the unsung stories of exceptional women athletes from around the world. We tell stories via podcast, video and live events. For more videos about elite women athletes, subscribe to our YouTube channel ► / @‌flamebearers Follow us - Instagram - / flamebearers Facebook - / flamebearerspodcast Linkedin - / flame-bearers Tiktok - / flame_bearers X - / flame_bearers Our Website - https://flamebearers.com/ 💬 Leave a comment and tell us what you liked in the video. 📺 If you like the content, subscribe to our channel! Flame Bearers: Pathways to Paris is a finalist for the 5th Annual Anthem Awards! We’re in the running in three categories: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Human and Civil Rights, AND the Anthem Community Voice Award. This award is determined entirely by public support. Voting ends October 30, so please vote today and share with your networks! Link to vote: https://celebrate.anthemawards.com/PublicVoting#/2025/diversity-equity-inclusion-belonging/awareness-categories/