Can femininity and competitiveness and faithfulness co-exist? Co-hosts Sam and Julianna explore this question as they shift to a conversation about femininity in sport. Today they explore the ways the feminist movement has shifted our view of women. They contrast the modern-day view and actions of women, to God’s actual design for women in our amazing femininity. They also discuss the need for true masculinity. The episode culminates in a discussion about living our femininity in sport through the teachings of Theology of the Body! Join the discussion, and claim in a deeper way the TRUTH of your femininity!

Takeaway:

Write on your mirror: I AM FEMININE

Mentions:

Podcast with Carol Marquardt: https://open.spotify.com/episode/49NDkjcT0EU73mlUZaG0oI?si=33d7ba2127ae4055

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We all want to compete more freely. In this episode, host Samantha Kelley welcomes back FIERCE coworker who is a former All-American swimmer and professional distance triathlete Rachel Zilinskas to delve into the concept of "running free". The discussion centers on a profound message Rachel previously wrote regarding true freedom, which she defines as being possible only when one allows Jesus to untangle them from the roots of sin. They explore how high-capacity athletes often fall into the trap of self-reliance, attempting to "muscle" their way through life's hardships and mistakes rather than seeking divine healing for their underlying wounds. By acknowledging their identity as beloved daughters of God first, athletes can move past the external pressures of performance and find a lightness that persists regardless of worldly success or failure.

Rachel’s Quote:

“Running free is possible when you let Jesus untangle you from the roots of your sins so you can live and walk in the light. No matter how hard you try, those things that are restraining you can never be broken without the healing power of the name of Jesus Christ. Then you can run with a pure childlike freedom knowing your savior has the power to unbind you from the shackles of sin and make you new. You are his beloved daughter. You do not have to strive or toil to earn his love, but rather through his grace you can allow his love to penetrate the deepest parts of your soul. When you unite your heart to his suffering, even though you might feel pain you will also feel the unfathomable depths of the joy of His glory.”

Episode Takeaway

The key takeaway from the end of the episode is an invitation to intentional prayer through "being" rather than "doing":

• Schedule Time: Set an alarm for 10 to 15 minutes of dedicated time with the Lord.
• Strip Self-Reliance: Move away from performance-based prayer or rigid plans.
• Listen and Receive: While prayer involves asking and giving, its majority should be focused on listening and receiving from God.
• Simple Inquiry: If unsure how to start, simply ask Jesus, "Who am I?", "What do you want me to do?", and "Who are you?"

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Professional triathlete Rachel Zilinskas joins the FIERCE Podcast to share a gripping story about the core of athlete identity. She recounts her journey from being a two-time national champion swimmer at Georgia to navigating the brutal physical, mental, and spiritual demands of being an Ironman athlete.

After overcoming a series of debilitating stress fractures just to make it to the starting line, Rachel finds herself in the French Alps for the World Championships. She was in peak form, poised for a potential top-five finish on a course tailor-made for her climbing strengths. Mid-race, 10 kilometers into the bike course, however God led her on a path different than what she anticipated and yet far more impactful than she ever could have imagined.

Rachel was left with a profound realization, something Sam describes as one of the most profound things she has ever heard. Listen in to discover what that revelation was.

Takeaway:

Reflect on your own athletic journey and life. Recount the highs and the lows, and see how in every circumstance God was there the whole time. Listen to and receive Him call you Daughter. Ask God to reveal to you the fundamental truth that YOU are His and at every moment He is there to offer you an embrace.

NEXT WEEK: Don't miss next week as we go even deeper into the wisdom Rachel has gained from her competing and how to “race in freedom.”

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How do the opinions of others—coaches, teammates, fans, and parents—shape who we think we are? In this episode, Sam and Julianna explore the dangerous temptation to define one’s self-worth based on external feedback rather than a God-given identity. They discuss the "fine line" between constructive athletic feedback and personal opinions that can destroy an athlete's confidence or worth.

Drawing from personal experiences in college athletics, they talk about the pressure to fit in, the pain of being ignored by coaches, and the realization that "proximity does not equal permission" when it comes to letting others influence your heart. The episode also touches on the unique feminine desire to be "seen, known, and loved," and how to distinguish between God’s gentle voice and the negative "accusations" of the devil.

End of Episode Takeaway:

• Listen to the Freedom prayer at the end of the podcast again. Timestamp 30:27.
• Make a new list of the lies you believe about yourself and people’s opinions that you need to be rid of and pray this prayer…
• “In the name of Jesus Christ, I renounce, I rebuke, and I reject the (spirit, lie, fear, opinion, or comment of others) and I send it to the foot of the Cross.” (Repeat through your whole list) Thank you Lord for setting me free. Bless me Father.”

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Episode Summary: Identity | Beyond Performance

This is where we must begin. Who am I beyond my athleticism? In the season premiere of the revamped FIERCE Athlete Podcast 2.0, hosts Sam Kelley and Julianna Dalton dive deep into the concept of identity beyond the scoreboard.

Many athletes fall into the trap of defining their entire worth by performance, stats, or starting positions. But what happens when you get injured, lose your spot, or eventually retire? If your identity is tied only to what you do, you are left feeling like nothing when those things go away.

This episode explores how to stop the revolving door of labels and fill the "God-sized hole" in your heart with your true, unchanging identity as a daughter of God. Learn how surrendering your athletic gifts to the Lord doesn't make you less competitive—it actually gives you the ultimate freedom to perform at your best.

Takeaway Exercise: The Identity Audit

To begin detaching your worth from your performance, Sam and Julianna recommend the following practical exercise:

• Header: At the very top of a piece of paper, write: "I am a daughter of God."
• List Your Labels: Below that, write down every label you currently use to identify yourself (e.g., "All-American," "injured kid," "starter," "point guard").
• Audit Your List: Look at each label and ask, "Does this serve me, or is it a lie?"
• The "Voice Check": Determine if the label is good and beautiful (the voice of God) or if it reduces your worth and causes discouragement (the voice of lies).
• Cross Them Out: Be competitive about getting rid of the lies. Draw a line through any label that makes you feel like a failure or reduces your inherent value.

Daily Re-Read: Keep the labels that are God-given talents (like "athletic" or "talented") and daily remind yourself that the top line—being His daughter—is your only permanent identity.

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The FIERCE Athlete Podcast is back - BETTER THAN EVER! With a FIERCE new studio, high quality video, new hosts, dynamic guests, wider content, and episodes dropping every week, FIERCE is here to walk alongside you in your athletic journey. If you are a female athlete, coach, parent, or fan- this podcast is for you- to help you THRIVE in your God-given Identity and Femininity. Meet your hosts Sam and Julianna this week, and hear about the exciting things ahead!

Don't forget to join our new Patreon community to get exclusive content, join discussions, ask questions, and support this podcast!

https://www.patreon.com/cw/FIERCEAthlete1

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“Sport is a means to develop the whole person”, and when coaches abuse this it can lead to long term trauma and effects. This is the story of Jennifer Sey, former national champion gymnast, who was the first to expose the wide spread abuse in women’s gymnastics. She joins Sam to discuss the lasting effects of abuse in sport, and also how we can fight against the current abuses in sport. You won’t want to miss this riveting conversation where Sam and Jen shed light on these issues and rally to fight against these things. You will be inspired- listen, share it, and join the fight! As Jen says, “I believe in the truth and I think it’s really pernicious to further a lie and I won’t let it pass through me.”

Support and wear proudly XX-XY Athletics: https://www.xx-xyathletics.com/

Follow Jen:
https://www.instagram.com/xx_xyathletics/
https://twitter.com/xx_xyathletics
#thetruthfits

Read more about FIERCE on our website - Fierce.org

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Last episode of the FIERCE Athlete Toolbox, and all other episodes and growth lead to this one- Leadership. Sam, Danae, and Angel challenge you to take what you've learned and positively impact those around you. They discuss different leadership styles, what not to do, and make the point that living a Christian life allows you to embody all the characteristics needed to lead. After all, Jesus Christ was the greatest leader in human history. Join us for our last episode of season 4, and then go shine bright and bring the light out in those around you!

Bible Verse: Hebrews 13:7 “Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.”

Takeaway: Do a leadership inventory- things you want to or don’t want to do as a leader. Consider those leaders you admire and what you have learned from them!

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