Episode 565: Kara Winger – Four-Time Olympian in the Javelin on Coming Out of Retirement to Try to Make Her Fifth Olympic Team This Summer

In today’s episode, I’m excited to welcome back Kara Winger, a four time Olympian in the javelin. This summer, she competed in her fifth Olympic trials, and it was quite the journey for her. Despite placing in the top three at the trials, she didn’t qualify for the Paris Olympics because she hadn’t yet met the Olympic standard. Kara shares her thought process behind deciding to aim for the standard during the trials rather than trying to qualify beforehand. She also shares about her decision to come out of retirement this summer to try to qualify for her fifth Olympics. I’ve always enjoyed interviewing field athletes in track and field, as they often don’t get the spotlight they deserve, and Kara is one of my favorites. She’s at an exciting crossroads in her career, and I can’t wait for you to hear about all that she is looking forward to ahead. Also, a fun tidbit—Kara had the honor of being a flag bearer for Team USA during the closing ceremonies at the Tokyo Olympics, which is just amazing. Make sure to check her out on Instagram at @Karathrowsjav for more of her journey! What we talked about: 3:30- How this retirement is feeling different than the last one 17:00- Her experience at the Olympic Trials 20:45- How to handle heartbreak in sport 23:10- Her decision to not chase the standard and have to throw it at the trials 33:35- Coaching 39:30- The growth of javelin as a sport 42:40- Allowing yourself to change your mind 51:40- End of podcast questions Show notes: Cast, Catch, Release by Marina Gibson Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow Connect with Lindsey: Lindsey on Instagram Lindsey on Twitter Support our sponsors: Check out the new Brooks Glycerin Max at BrooksRunning.com Cornbread Use the code “Another” at checkout for 30% off your order 2Before Use the code “Lindsey” for 30% of 20 packs plus free shipping