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What actually builds confidence in athletes?

In this powerful conversation, Mariel sits down with Shawnee Harle, Olympian, sport psychology expert, and one of Canada’s most respected voices in athlete development, to unpack the truth about confidence, identity, and the pressures young athletes face today.

From Olympic teams to youth sport, Shawnee has spent decades helping athletes perform at their best while staying grounded in who they are beyond the scoreboard. In this episode, she shares practical insights on how athletes can build real confidence, how parents and coaches can support development without adding pressure, and why the most important lessons in sport often happen far away from the podium.

Inside this episode, we explore:

🏆 Why confidence isn’t something you “have” — it’s something you build
🧠 The difference between performance identity and personal identity
🔥 How athletes can respond to failure, pressure, and setbacks
👨‍👩‍👧 What parents and coaches can do to create healthier sport environments
🎯 Why long-term development matters more than early success

This episode is a must-listen for athletes, parents, and coaches who want to understand the mental side of sport, develop resilient competitors, and build confidence that lasts far beyond the game.

Because sport isn’t just about winning, it’s about who you become along the way.

https://www.shawneeharle.com/

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