Healing, Reinvention & Riding Forward with Anneke Beerten | EP26

In this deeply personal episode of What’s the Rusch, Rebecca reconnects with longtime teammate and multi-time world champion Anneke Beerten. From her BMX beginnings in the Netherlands to dominating Crankworx and Enduro World Series events, Anneke has done it all on two wheels. But her greatest test came off the course—when a traumatic brain injury abruptly ended her career.Rebecca and Anneke dive into what it means to rewrite your story after the finish line, how to navigate the invisible injuries, and the power of staying in the sport—just in a different role. Now a coach, mentor, and skills instructor, Anneke is helping shape the next generation of riders, while also navigating her own ongoing recovery.This episode is about identity, purpose, healing after an injury, and what it means to keep showing up, even when the ride looks different than you planned. In this episode, Rebecca and Anneke explore:Starting BMX at age 4 and racing internationally as a teenThe evolution of a mountain bike career across disciplines—BMX, 4X, EnduroThe car accident that caused her traumatic brain injuryLetting go of a racing career before she was readyCoaching for USA Cycling and mentoring Olympic medalist Haley BattenCoaching from Crankworx to beginners, with equal joy and passionFinding peace, purpose, and a new kind of finish lineTransformative Insights:"Fun was always a non-negotiable part of my training."Brain injuries are treatable—but require advocacy and patience.Recovery is not linear, and it’s often invisible.You can still win—by helping others rise.Letting go of the comeback dream was the first step toward real healing.Vulnerable Moments:Anneke shares the fear and emotional toll of post-TBI symptomsThe grief of losing a lifelong identity in one instantFeeling isolated in a facility surrounded by stroke survivors at age 38The emotional reckoning of realizing she couldn’t race againWhat it meant to return to Crankworx—not to compete, but to close a chapter Practical Wisdom:Follow your gut: fear and intuition are both teachers“Just give me two hours to undo what you’ve been doing for 10 years”—Anneke’s coaching mantraRecord videos or journal during recovery to track invisible progressHelping others can bring the same thrill as racingYou don't need a podium to have purpose Personal Growth:From podiums to mentorship: how Anneke found joy in coachingLearning to ask for help—and accept itThe move to Bentonville as a radical act of healing and communityLetting go of plans and finding presence in the momentRedefining success through connection, not competition📚 Helpful Links:Anneke’s WebsiteCrank it Up MTB CoachingAnneke’s YouTubeBrain Storm Podcast and Resource GuideRebecca’s YT Concussion Video ResourcesSponsor:This episode is sponsored by Eternal.Eternal is redefining athlete health with personalized, evidence-based care. From advanced blood biomarker testing to in-depth performance assessments and concierge support, they give you the tools to train smarter, recover better, and avoid injury.Check them out at eternal.co and use promo code WTR for 10% off your performance physical today.Support What’s the Rusch: 💬 Love the show? Share it with a friend, leave a review, or post your favorite moment on Instagram and tag @rebeccarusch. Every bit of support helps us continue these deep conversations.Connect with Rebecca RuschWebsite Instagram LinkedIn Substack Blood Road Brain Storm Podcast Be Good Foundation