World Athletics Official Podcast | Paris 2024 Olympic Games – Episode 4

In this engaging episode of Inside Track, hosts Sonia Richard Ross and Greg Rutherford delve into the excitement of Paris 2024, highlighting key moments and guests, including Sally Gunnell and Mondo Duplantis' parents, Helena and Greg. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of elite athletes, with Sally reflecting on her storied career and the pressures of competition, while Helena and Greg share insights into Mondo's upbringing and his exceptional poise under pressure. The episode also features fun segments like "Ask Me Anything" and "Predict the Podium," offering a mix of personal anecdotes and professional insights into the world of athletics.

• Hosts: Sonia Richards-Ross and Greg Rutherford.
• Podcast: Inside Track from World Athletics.
• Focus: Behind-the-scenes insights and interesting facts related to Paris 2024 Olympics.
• Guests: Sally Gunnell (former Olympic champion in the 400m hurdles) and Helen and Greg Duplantis (parents of Mondo Duplantis).

• The hosts express excitement about having Sally Gunnell and the Duplantis family on the show.
• Emphasis on getting a different perspective by having athlete parents on the show.

"Today we have former Olympic champion in the 400-meter hurdles, Sally Gunnell, and Helen and Greg Duplantis, the parents of Mondo Duplantis."

• Highlights the unique angle of discussing the athlete's journey from their parents' perspective.

• The podcast includes an "Ask Me Anything" section.
• Encouragement to check out full video versions and exclusive content on the World Athletics website.

"Remember there are full video versions of the show and loads more exclusive Athletics content on the World Athletics website."

• Promotes the additional content available for listeners and viewers.

• Sonia Richards-Ross discusses her busy schedule, including calling track meets and participating in a Nike think tank with Serena Williams.
• Greg Rutherford humorously notes their matching outfits and shoes, emphasizing their camaraderie.

"I've been here doing a lot of really fun things, of course, number one being here with you... I'm here with Nike, and they have a think tank where they bring together the best female athletes across the world."

• Highlights the diverse roles and engagements of the hosts during the Olympics.

• Discussion on the highlights of the first two days on the track.
• Emphasis on Femke Bol's performance in the mixed relay and the women's 100m race.

"Watching Femke Bol come from behind... it never looks like she's running that fast... 47.93 to win gold for her team."

• Describes the impressive performance of Femke Bol and the impact of the mixed relay on the competition.

• Greg Rutherford introduces Sally Gunnell as a British legend and discusses her career and the current state of the 400m hurdles.
• Sally reminisces about her time at the Olympics and her feelings about the current athletes in the 400m hurdles.

"You never choose the 400 hurdles... you sort of roll into that 400 hurdles."

• Sally discusses the challenging nature of the 400m hurdles and how athletes often transition into the event.

• Sally expresses admiration for Sydney McLaughlin and Femke Bol, noting their impact on the event and potential for breaking world records.
• Discussion on the technical aspects and strategy involved in the 400m hurdles.

"I'm just blown away where Sydney and Femke have taken the event... it's incredible."

• Sally highlights the advancements and competitive spirit brought by current top athletes.

• Greg shares a personal story about naming his pet rat after Sally Gunnell, adding a light-hearted and personal touch to the interview.

"I once named a pet after you... it was a rat."

• A humorous and endearing moment illustrating Greg's admiration for Sally.

• The hosts express anticipation for future episodes and continued excitement about the ongoing events at the Olympics.
• Encouragement for listeners to stay tuned for more insights and exclusive content.

"Please check us out wherever you listen to your podcast... get all of the inside scoops that we're bringing."

• Reinforces the value and uniqueness of the podcast for fans of athletics and the Olympics.

• The speaker experienced a significant change in public perception and personal life after winning gold in Barcelona.
• Winning the gold medal brought newfound fame and recognition, making her a household name.
• The victory was a turning point and a validation of her abilities and toughness.

"I just think people always thought I was, I don't know, she was good but is she tough enough? She's, you know, the girl next door."

• The quote highlights the doubts people had about her toughness and how her victory changed those perceptions.

"Crossing that line in Barcelona was, yeah, it was life-changing."

• This emphasizes the pivotal moment of winning the gold medal and its profound impact on her life.

"I just remember going home and all these kids in my garden knocking on the window."

• Illustrates the immediate and overwhelming response from the public following her victory.

"GB had five gold medalists and I was the only woman, so I suppose you just became that household name."

• Highlights her unique position as the only female gold medalist from Great Britain at the time, contributing to her fame.

• The speaker faced significant challenges with injuries, particularly an Achilles injury, which affected her career.
• The decision to retire was difficult but ultimately brought relief and a sense of readiness for the next stage of life.
• Emphasizes the importance of planning for life after athletics.

"My low point... was being carried off the track in 96 trying to defend your title in Atlanta."

• This quote underscores the physical and emotional low point of her career due to injury.

"I called my own press conference, didn't tell my coach, didn't tell my husband, didn't tell any of my team, and I just announced my retirement."

• Illustrates the decisive and personal nature of her retirement announcement.

"I think it's something that's not done enough... being a bit thoughtful with the process of going forward is something that more need to think about."

• Highlights the need for athletes to plan for their post-athletic careers to avoid feeling lost.

• Advances in sports science and medicine have improved injury management and extended athletic careers.
• Encourages athletes to make the most of their careers, including having families and returning to compete.

"Where the sport has come with, you know, Sport Science and medicine... that's why people have this longevity now that they can carry on for so long."

• This quote points to the advancements in sports science that help athletes extend their careers.

"I think it's incredible that that's where the sport has gone."

• Expresses admiration for the progress in sports science and its impact on athletes' careers.

• Reflects on the importance of enjoying the highs of an athletic career and not being solely focused on the next goal.
• Mentions regret for not celebrating achievements more during her career.

"Enjoy those highs... I was so scared of failure... I can't celebrate and I really regret that."

• This quote highlights the speaker's regret for not celebrating her successes and the importance of enjoying the journey.

"For the first time, these guys have gone around and taken absolutely everything in, and I just think, yeah, that's what we need to do more of."

• Emphasizes the need for current athletes to savor their experiences and achievements.

• The speaker's husband is involved in coaching, and she supports him and the athletes, particularly in the mental aspects of the sport.
• Highlights the importance of mental support and understanding the highs and lows of athletic performance.

"My role within, you know, him and Gemma is much more around, yeah, the mental side of it."

• Indicates her involvement in providing mental support to athletes.

"It's really important, I think, for her to have somebody that's been there."

• Stresses the value of having experienced mentors to guide current athletes.

• Discusses the competitive nature of current athletics, particularly in the women's 800 meters.
• Emphasizes the unpredictability and excitement of the Olympics.

"It's really exciting where that 800's gone and in the men as well... what we dealing with here."

• Reflects on the high level of competition and the excitement it brings.

"You've got to respect everybody out there... nobody hangs a medal around your neck of any color, you've got to go out there and earn it."

• Highlights the need for respect and hard work in achieving success in athletics.

• The speaker makes predictions about the outcomes of the women's 800 meters.
• Expresses personal connections and support for athletes, including predicting a British one-two finish.

"I really want to say Gemma at the top but I just think Keely then Gemma, so I'm going to go one-two British one-two."

• Indicates her predictions for the top finishes in the women's 800 meters, showing her support and insight into the competition.

"I'm helping him to stay as calm as well and must be tough understanding, you know, what goes on and the highs and lows."

• Reflects on her supportive role in helping her husband and athletes manage the emotional aspects of the sport.

• Introduction of Helena and Greg Duplantis, parents of the world's greatest pole vaulter, Mondo Duplantis.
• Discussion on their roles at the Olympic Games and how they perceive themselves (parents, former athletes, coaches).

"I feel like a more like a parent nervous kind of with him as a parent yeah but then again when I'm at the track then that's right I'm the coach too."

• Helena and Greg balance between being parents and coaches to Mondo.

• Despite Mondo's dominance, his parents still get nervous watching him compete.
• The unpredictability of pole vaulting and the factors that can influence performance.

"I mean yesterday was a qualifying it was it was crazy terrible too I mean it's like yeah and I mean I'm totally confident in him but then at the same time my stomach turn it."

• Helena expresses the mix of confidence and nervousness she feels during Mondo's competitions.

• Mondo’s ability to control the uncontrollable and remain unfazed by unexpected events.
• Examples of Mondo's resilience and calmness under pressure.

"It's very hard to Rattle him it's not going to mess up his performance even though it's not think because his life is chaotic in general with everything else."

• Greg highlights Mondo's mental toughness and ability to stay focused despite chaos.

• Mondo's early interest in pole vaulting, inspired by his family and environment.
• His natural inclination towards the sport from a very young age.

"He just loved it from the first time he did it wow when he was four years old loved it he jump in the living room with a with a broomstick."

• Mondo's passion for pole vaulting began as early as four years old, demonstrating his innate love for the sport.

• The role of Mondo's older brothers and the competitive environment they created.
• The supportive and active neighborhood that fostered Mondo's athletic development.

"He always wanted to do what they did so like when his oldest brother like was totally doing really well in baseball I mean he had to tag along to all the baseball tournaments he was so into baseball."

• Mondo was influenced by his older brothers and the competitive environment they provided.

• Humorous and quirky stories from Mondo's childhood, including an incident involving the police.

"Mond was about I don't know give me the age two still in diapers he's getting arrested at two in diapers and we or Helena and I are in a kitchen and it opens up to a carport and then out in the in the yard and in the front yard and the door was open he slips out and he's up maybe like 460 m in a tree in his diapers and this lady walks by and she calls the police and says there's a baby out in the tree."

• A funny story where Mondo, as a toddler, was found climbing a tree in his diapers, leading to a police call.

• Discussion on what makes an athlete like Mondo so dominant.
• The combination of mental makeup, competitive environment, and supportive family.

"He had two older brothers both of them very good athletes his oldest brother Andreas he's six years older and and mondo is going out and like she said trying to play baseball with him 6 years old that's a lot yeah and he Mondo thinks he can compete with him."

• Mondo's competitive nature was nurtured by trying to keep up with his older brothers.

• The process and reasoning behind Mondo competing for Sweden instead of the USA.
• The influence of his older brother and the offer from Sweden to make Greg a national coach.

"How about if we make your dad uh a national coach on the team he will have credential to go wherever you go be part of your preparation sweet and M's like H I like that like that I like that yeah the coach that's pretty much would made like yeah."

• The decisive factor was Sweden's offer to make Greg a national coach, allowing him to support Mondo closely.

• How Mondo and his parents handle the immense pressure of being a top athlete.
• Mondo's ability to thrive under pressure and the realistic expectations his parents have for him.

"He turn it off when he has to turn it off and he's always been extremely competitive and seems to you know they have some that that thrive on pressure and some that crack under pressure and he thrives Under Pressure."

• Mondo's strength lies in his ability to thrive under pressure, enjoying the big moments and crowds.

• Excitement and anticipation for Mondo's future performances.
• Acknowledgment of the unique journey and support system that has contributed to Mondo's success.

"It's really fun to watch him compete and we're super excited for you guys um and to you know see what he's going to do here."

• The hosts express their excitement for Mondo's future and appreciation for the insights shared by Helena and Greg.

• The hosts discuss potential podium finishes for the men's pole vault event.
• They agree that Mondo Duplantis is a strong contender for the gold medal.
• The debate centers around who will secure the silver and bronze medals.

"We already know the number one spot so we're asking you guys to give us who you think will be silver and bronze in the men's pole vault."

• The hosts are confident in Mondo Duplantis securing the top position.

"I think Kendricks, Corales, and Curtis Marshall."

• These athletes are mentioned as potential podium finishers.

"The most reliable person to jump 5.90 is Sam Kendricks."

• Sam Kendricks is seen as a consistent performer.

"The hottest pole vaulter right now is Emanuel Corales from Greece."

• Emanuel Corales is highlighted for his recent performance improvements.

• The conversation shifts to whether Mondo Duplantis will attempt to break the world record.

"Mondo is going for the world record again and it's undeniable."

• There is strong belief and expectation that Mondo will aim for the world record.

"We had a little prayer session with another high jumper in Sweden."

• Personal anecdotes are shared to illustrate the support and belief in Mondo's capabilities.

"He doesn't just want to win the gold; he wants to do more."

• Mondo's ambition extends beyond winning gold; he aims for greater achievements like breaking the world record.

• The hosts share their experiences and interactions with pole vaulters.

"Spending many nights with pole vaulters as I train with them, many don't walk after they've won Olympic gold medals."

• The dedication and physical toll on pole vaulters are discussed.

"If you want to hang out with fun people, hang out with pole vaulters."

• Pole vaulters are described as fun and interesting individuals.

• The hosts answer questions from listeners, starting with cheat meals during competition.

"I would have a cheat meal like cheese pizza, vanilla ice cream, and purple Skittles."

• One host shares their favorite cheat meals.

"After the trials, I would get an XL bacon double cheeseburger from Burger King."

• The other host shares their go-to cheat meal after competitions.

• The hosts discuss the impact of new carbon-plated shoes on performance.

"I've been told they could be beneficial up to 20-30 cm in jumps."

• The new technology is seen as significantly enhancing athletic performance.

"I ran 48 damn near in socks."

• The hosts reflect on their own performances and how new technology could have impacted their results.

"I'm a big fan of sports getting better and athletes taking advantage of good technology as long as it's accessible to everyone."

• The hosts support the use of new technology, provided it is equally accessible to all athletes.

• The hosts wrap up the episode and tease future content.

"We've had great guests already and we're going to guarantee you more good guests to come."

• Listeners are encouraged to stay tuned for more interesting episodes and guests.