Olympic medalist Marilyn Okoro OLY on athletic endings & new beginnings: “I wasn’t prepared”

I am joined by Olympic,  medal winner, Team GB track & field athlete Marilyn Okoro OLY to explore the themes of career transitions, burnout, mental health, and the emotional landscape of retirement from professional athletics.  Marilyn shares her journey from being an Olympic medalist to navigating life beyond sports, emphasising the importance of self-care, rediscovering your identity and the impact of mentorship and support from others.  We explore the themes of resilience, identity, and the challenges of transitioning from a professional athletics career that has defined you since childhood. Marilyn shares so profoundly her personal experiences of the tenderness as she navigated her retirement. It’s a conversation that I have no doubt will be comfort, support and inspiration to you if you are navigating a big transition in life.  Key Takeaways Big career transitions can be a complex emotional journey. Finding stillness is essential during transitions. Mentorship plays a crucial role in personal and professional growth. Legacy is built through the impact we have on others. It's important to acknowledge the emotional side of retirement. Self-care and kindness to oneself are vital during transitions. Transitioning into a new career requires intentionality and support.  Support from others is crucial during difficult times. Resilience is built from challenging experiences. Identity can be multifaceted beyond one's career. Transitioning from a career can bring feelings of grief. It's important to embrace change. Conversations can open doors to new opportunities. Sharing stories can empower and connect individuals. Finding purpose in pain can lead to personal growth. Authenticity is key in navigating life's transitions. Follow Death on the Daily: Don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe to this pod Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/death_onthedaily⁠ Where you can connect with Marilyn: Instagram:⁠ www.instagram.com/marilynokorooly LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/marilynokorooly/ The theme music for Death on the Daily is ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Set Free by Katie Gray⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, which is used with artist's permission.  You can connect with Katie and her music and work here ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠katiegray.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.  This podcast is edited by David Strutt, who you can contact here for any editing needs: [email protected]