Kaitlin Sandeno - Diving In With an Olympian To Win Gold | The Playbook #011

TL;DR

Kaitlin Sandeno shares her transition from Olympian to entrepreneur.

Transcript

• And I got to the wall and it was like, Sandeno, Kaitlin, USA, fourth, and I was crushed. - Champions are made and cash always follows, but where did it all start? These are the true stories of the blockbuster sports deals that went down in the locker room, boardroom, and between the lines that made many people very, very wealthy. This is The Play... Read More

Key Insights

• Kaitlin Sandeno's passion for swimming started at a young age, influenced by her family's involvement in the sport.
• She faced a pivotal decision in eighth grade, choosing between soccer and swimming, ultimately opting for swimming due to its individual nature.
• Kaitlin's first Olympics in Sydney at 17 was a learning experience, highlighting the importance of personal bests over medals.
• Her journey was fraught with challenges, including injuries and setbacks, but her perseverance led to multiple Olympic appearances.
• Transitioning from athletics to entrepreneurship was challenging, requiring Kaitlin to find new passions and start from the bottom again.
• Kaitlin emphasizes the importance of humility, networking, and using one's platform to make a positive impact.
• She currently coaches young swimmers, focusing on instilling values of kindness and hard work rather than just athletic success.
• Kaitlin's legacy aims to be one of kindness and making a difference in the lives of others through her coaching and public speaking.

Questions & Answers

Q: What was Kaitlin Sandeno's initial experience with swimming?

Kaitlin Sandeno's initial experience with swimming was heavily influenced by her family. Being the youngest of three siblings, she was introduced to swimming at a very young age, attending swim meets as early as two weeks old. Her love for water was natural, and she grew up in an environment that fostered her passion for the sport.

Q: How did Kaitlin Sandeno handle the pressure of her first Olympics?

Kaitlin Sandeno faced immense pressure during her first Olympics in Sydney at the age of 17. She was the top-ranked American in her event, which added to her stress. Despite feeling nervous and overwhelmed, she learned a valuable lesson about focusing on personal bests rather than succumbing to external expectations for winning medals.

Q: What challenges did Kaitlin Sandeno face during her college years?

During her college years at USC, Kaitlin Sandeno faced several challenges, including a shoulder injury and a debilitating back injury. These physical setbacks, coupled with the demanding schedule of a student-athlete, tested her resolve. Despite these obstacles, she persevered, motivated by her desire to return to the Olympics and achieve her goals.

Q: How did Kaitlin Sandeno transition from athletics to entrepreneurship?

Transitioning from athletics to entrepreneurship was challenging for Kaitlin Sandeno. Retiring from swimming at 25, she had to explore new opportunities and passions. This involved embracing social media, networking, and starting from the bottom in various endeavors. Her journey required humility and a willingness to learn and adapt to new environments.

Q: What role does humility play in Kaitlin Sandeno's life and career?

Humility plays a significant role in Kaitlin Sandeno's life and career. She believes in being grounded and using her platform to make a positive impact. Despite her achievements, she focuses on being a kind and nice person, which she considers more important than accolades. Her humility is evident in her coaching and interactions with others.

Q: How does Kaitlin Sandeno view her coaching role?

Kaitlin Sandeno views her coaching role as an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of young swimmers. She coaches at the grassroots level, focusing on instilling values of kindness, hard work, and personal growth. Kaitlin believes in nurturing the next generation, emphasizing the importance of character over just athletic success.

Q: What is Kaitlin Sandeno's perspective on participation trophies?

Kaitlin Sandeno is not in favor of participation trophies, as she believes they contribute to a culture of self-entitlement. She values encouraging and motivating young athletes, but also emphasizes the importance of learning to lose and striving for greatness. Kaitlin believes that rewarding mediocrity undermines the pursuit of personal excellence.

Q: What legacy does Kaitlin Sandeno aim to leave behind?

Kaitlin Sandeno aims to leave a legacy of kindness and making a positive impact on others. She wants to be remembered as a nice person who used her platform to inspire and motivate. Through her coaching and public speaking, Kaitlin hopes to instill values of kindness and hard work in the next generation, contributing to a better world.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Kaitlin Sandeno discusses her journey from being an Olympic swimmer to becoming an entrepreneur. She shares insights on the challenges she faced, including injuries and the pressure of performing at a young age. Kaitlin emphasizes the importance of focusing on personal achievements rather than external expectations.

• The transition from sports to business was difficult for Kaitlin, as she had to find new passions and start from scratch. She highlights the importance of humility and networking in building her brand and finding success outside of the pool.

• Kaitlin now coaches young swimmers, aiming to instill values of kindness and hard work. She believes in making a positive impact on the next generation, using her platform to encourage and motivate young athletes to achieve their personal bests.