Championing Change: Athleticism, Motherhood, and Identity with Cyclist Jenny Smith

The Sonya Looney Show

From her upbringing in New Zealand to her career as a multi-sport athlete, Jenny Smith has proven that you can achieve athletic excellence while balancing changes in identity.

Jenny's journey through motherhood and endurance sports hits close to home for me, and I was thrilled to reconnect after our time with the Breck Epic Women’s Cycling Summit this summer.

In this conversation, we explore Jenny's evolution from a young runner to a dominant force in cross-country mountain biking and XTERRA triathlon. She shares how she balances the demands of training and competition with the joys of motherhood.

Plus, hear about her philosophy on coaching athletes - emphasizing skill development, positive youth development, and cultivating a supportive training environment - and her experiences and thoughts on aging as an athlete.

Jenny gives us the potent reminder to invest in personal growth, authenticity, and staying true to one's roots amidst the demands of elite sports.

Here are a few key takeaways:

- The Past Informs the Present: Jenny's upbringing in New Zealand and background in running

- Navigating Career Transitions: Hear about her transition to mountain biking and racing career accomplishments

- Motherhood on Two Wheels: The impact of having a child on her training and racing

- Aim High Performance: Her philosophy and approach to coaching athletes, especially adolescents

- Changing Identity: Jenny shares her views on aging as an athlete and cultural identity

LINKS:

- Learn more about Jenny's coaching and Aim High Performance

- Check out other episodes about parenthood and athletics

- Listen to another powerful interview about balancing motherhood and the podium with Olympian Erin Huck