Dealing with the Pressure of Team Canada Curling – ft. Sarah Wilkes
What happens when you're expected to win—every single time?This week on Ringside, Emma and Ryan sit down with Sarah Wilkes, lead for Team Homan, psychotherapist, and multi-sport national champion, for a deep, honest conversation about competing on the world stage and everything that comes with it.Sarah shares what it’s like to go from winning the Scotties to jumping on a plane to Korea for Worlds—jet-lagged, emotionally drained, and expected to deliver. They talk about the physical intensity of curling, the mental game behind every shot, and the emotional toll of media criticism when representing Canada.From Ted Lasso references and mindfulness tips to stories of burnout, identity, and recovery, this episode is packed with real talk and practical insight for athletes, coaches, and families alike.CHAPTERS:00:00 – Intro 00:52 – Celebrating Team Homan’s Record Season02:01 – Welcome Sarah Wilkes04:23 – Curling World Championships in Korea06:14 – The Highs and Lows of Competing After a Big Win07:03 – Physical Toll: 15 Games in 11 Days08:42 – What Sweeping Really Demands09:52 – Sarah’s Psychotherapy Perspective: Managing the Emotional Rollercoaster10:54 – Fatigue, Jet Lag & Game-Day Performance12:12 – Emotional Resilience and Processing Loss13:01 – Working with Young Athletes: Mental Trends & Advice14:08 – Attentional Awareness: “Where’s Your Focus Right Now?”15:01 – Self-Talk & Confidence: Recovering from Early Mistakes16:03 – Curling Under the Microscope: Media, Pressure & “Banana Heads”17:19 – “Be a Goldfish”: Mindfulness, Ted Lasso, and Learning Fast18:12 – Wearing the Maple Leaf: Media Criticism & National Pressure19:00 – Coping with Public Judgment & Social Media in 201920:24 – The 2018 Olympics: Starting 0–3 and the “Un-Canadian” Moment22:21 – Behind-the-Scenes Support & Social Media Management22:47 – Olympic Qualification for 202623:07 – Sarah’s Multi-Sport Success: Curling + Softball at Laurier24:07 – Foundational Skills: Coachability, Feedback & Teamwork25:50 – Perspective from the Podium: Enjoying the Process26:56 – Parenthood & Perspective: Role Modeling for the Next Gen27:51 – Offseason Plans: Rest, Recovery & Strength Training28:17 – Youth Sports Injuries: Identity, Isolation & Mental Recovery30:42 – Closing: Gratitude & Sarah’s Dual Role in SportFrom grassroots to greatness, hosts Emma Miskew and Ryan Steeves dive into the world of youth and competitive sports, on and off the ice. With honest, insightful conversations, they explore coaching, performance, mental health, parenting, and the real-life stories that shape athletes at every level.Whether you're a coach, athlete, parent, or passionate fan, Ringside brings you closer to the moments that matter—from the first team practice to the world stage.
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