Shelby Houlihan: Overcoming The Adversity Of An Unjust Doping Violation And Reflections On Elite Track & Field Racing

I’m pleased to welcome Shelby Houlihan to the show, one of the greatest female distance runners in the world. Shelby is the American record holder at 5000m and was in 4th place in the 2019 world championships at 1500m. She’s also an 11-time US national champion and an extraordinary competitor, so you will learn a lot from hearing her talk about her training, focus, dedication and development as an athlete. Unfortunately, Shelby did suffer from a pretty big setback that was both highly publicized and extremely dramatic. You will hear the disturbing details of her doping violation—and while Shelby sees it as an ordeal that has helped her grow as a person overall, there was a tremendous injustice heaped upon her by the anti-doping authorities in global sport, which will be revealed in this episode. While it is acknowledged that we have a massive problem in modern sports (one we have had for decades) when it comes to doping and cheating, as you will hear in this show, it is completely undisputed that the ingestion of this banned substance (which was found in mere trace amounts) did not confer a performance advantage—yet she received a four-year long ban! You will hear the truth about her experience with the legal system, not receiving due process and having to empty her bank accounts to defend herself, and how she has dealt with this challenging situation by using it as a way to grow as a person and learn how to remain positive regardless of external circumstances. TIMESTAMPS: Shelby Houlihan, today’s guest, will be talking about her career and also how the anti-doping organizations disrupted her career. [01:17] On the road to being one of the best runners in the world, Shelby hit a major bump in the road, a burrito from a food truck! [06:51] What are the steps for anti-doping procedures? It is hard to trust the system. [17:29] People question Shelby’s integrity. She is the one who has the burden of proof of her innocence. [19:32] All the agencies and all the arbitrators she went before agreed that the amount of this substance did not affect her performance. [31:57] She felt so helpless through this long ordeal. [36:26] Are the people who work in the field of anti-doping fair? [41:41] How does Shelby manage day to day life in this adversity? [44:16] The hardest part is doing workouts by herself. [55:59] What is she not allowed to do while under ban? [01:02:06] What is Shelby’s opinion about the state of competitors cheating? Are people breaking records legitimately? [01:07:02] This has been a year of personal growth for Shelby. [01:11:51] Is Shelby confident that she will not be past her prime when she returns and how is she surviving the losses? [01:15:43] LINKS: Brad Kearns.com Brad’s Shopping page Shelby Houlihan statement after ban ClearShelby.com Donate to Shelby's legal defense here Shelby winning US National Championship 1500m Join Brad for more fun on: Instagram: @bradkearns1 Facebook: @bradkearnsjumphigh Twitter: @bradleykearns YouTube: @BradKearns TikTok: @bradkearns We appreciate all feedback, and questions for Q&A shows, emailed to podcast@bradventures.com . If you have a moment, please share an episode you like with a quick text message, or leave a review on your podcast app. Thank you! Check out each of these companies because they are absolutely awesome or they wouldn’t occupy this revered space. Seriously, Brad won’t promote anything he doesn’t absolutely love and use in daily life. Brad’s Macadamia Masterpiece: Mind-blowing, life-changing nut butter blend Male Optimization Formula with Organs (MOFO): Optimize testosterone naturally with 100% grassfed animal organ supplement BeautyCounter: Complete line of cosmetics tested to be free of typical toxins and endocrine disruptors. Try Brad's favorite vitamin-C skin serum and make the switch away from toxic mainstream skin-care products! Butcher Box: Convenient, affordable home delivery - free shipping! - of the highest quality meat, poultry, and seafood with customizable box design. Click here for special promotion. Bala Enzyme : Electrolyte and triple enzyme recovery drink mix. BRAD30 for 30% off BiOptimizers : Top quality performance supplements like magnesium, probiotics, and digestive enzymes. BRAD10 for 10% off Paleo Valley : Nutrient-rich, ancestral inspired health products. BRAD15 for 15% off BradNutrition.com : Coming soon - the ultimate whey protein superfuel formula for peak performance and longevity Ultimate Morning Routine Online Course: Learn how to custom-design an energizing, focusing morning exercise routine. Enroll now for earlybird discount Check out Brad Kearns Favorites Page for great products and discounts See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.