E50 - Neil Fachie: How to avoid getting stuck; the power of pivoting

Neil Fachie is a long-standing member of the Great Britain Cycling Team. Neil is a 2012 Paralympic champion and reigning world champion and tandem kilo world record holder.

A track and field athlete at his debut Paralympics, Neil made the switch to track cycling in time for the London Games four years later winning gold and silver in the tandem B events, for athletes with a visual impairment.

It is an area in which the Scotsman has proved dominant, winning 14 gold medals at UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships between 2009 and 2020 in the tandem B kilo and sprint disciplines. Neil also added another Paralympic medal to his collection in 2016, winning silver in Rio. Neil's book 'Earn Your Stripes – Gold Medal Insights for Business and Life' is out now.

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### Episode Summary: ###

- Neil Fachie is a Paralympic champion, world champion, and tandem kilo world record holder.


- He was a track and field athlete before switching to track cycling for the London Paralympics, where he won gold and silver in tandem B events.


- He has won 14 gold medals at UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships between 2009 and 2020.


- Fachie also won a silver medal at the Rio Paralympics in 2016.


- His book, "Earn Your Stripes – Gold Medal Insights for Business and Life," is available now.


- The hosts, Jake Humphrey and Damien Hughes, are excited to announce their upcoming book, "High Performance," which will be published by Penguin Random House in December 2023.


- They encourage listeners to pre-order the book from Amazon.


- Mint Mobile is offering a limited-time deal of $15 per month for a 3-month unlimited wireless plan.


- Neil Fachie discusses the importance of finding ways to overcome challenges and not get stuck in a rut.


- He shares how he learned to embrace his disability and use it as a strength.


- He emphasizes the value of problem-solving and adapting to changing circumstances.


- Fachie talks about the mental challenges athletes face, including negative thoughts and fears.


- He describes a technique he uses to overcome negative thoughts, which involves gripping his handlebars three times before a race and associating that action with positive emotions.


- Damien Hughes explains that the human brain is wired to be cautious and to identify threats, which can lead to anxiety and fear in certain situations.


- Fachie discusses the importance of building trust and honesty in a team sport, using his experience as a visually impaired cyclist who rides on a tandem bike with a sighted pilot as an example.


- He emphasizes the need for open communication and the willingness to put faith in one's teammates.


- The episode concludes with a reminder to pre-order the hosts' upcoming book, "High Performance."

Neil Fachie, a renowned Paralympic champion and world record holder in track cycling, shares his journey from sprinting to cycling and the pivotal moment that led him to pursue a career in the sport. Despite facing challenges and setbacks, Neil's unwavering determination and resilience propelled him to achieve remarkable success in cycling. His story highlights the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and embracing new opportunities.

Neil emphasizes the significance of establishing clear roles and responsibilities within a team, particularly in tandem cycling, where effective communication and coordination are crucial for success. He stresses the need for open and honest discussions to address weaknesses and improve team dynamics, ultimately leading to enhanced performance.

Neil reflects on the challenges he faced as an individual athlete transitioning to a team environment, acknowledging the need to adapt his communication style and embrace a more collaborative approach. He highlights the importance of fostering a positive team culture, where open dialogue and mutual respect create a supportive and high-performing environment.

Neil shares his experience of receiving candid feedback from his teammate, Matt, regarding his perceived lack of enthusiasm and engagement during training sessions. He acknowledges the value of constructive criticism in identifying areas for improvement and emphasizes the importance of embracing feedback as an opportunity for personal and professional growth.

Neil delves into the early stages of his career as a sprinter, expressing his initial disappointment at not qualifying for the 2008 Beijing Paralympics. He describes the subsequent challenges he faced in securing employment due to his visual impairment, leading to a period of unemployment and self-doubt.

Neil's determination to overcome adversity led him to explore alternative sports, eventually finding his calling in cycling. He recounts a serendipitous encounter at a velodrome, where he met a pilot, Craig McLean, who invited him to try tandem cycling. This chance meeting marked a turning point in Neil's life, setting him on a path to Paralympic success.

Neil reflects on the significance of this serendipitous moment, acknowledging that it instilled a sense of serenity and confidence in his abilities. He emphasizes the importance of embracing opportunities, even when they arise unexpectedly, and highlights the potential for remarkable outcomes when stepping outside one's comfort zone.

Neil addresses the apparent contradiction between his fear of making phone calls and his ability to perform under immense pressure in competitions. He explains that while he struggles with everyday stressors, he thrives in high-stakes situations, attributing this to the structured and predictable nature of competitive events.

Neil emphasizes the importance of setting ambitious goals and breaking them down into manageable steps, creating a clear path toward achieving long-term objectives. He shares his experience of setting a target of surpassing the able-bodied Olympic counterparts' performance in the tandem cycling event, ultimately achieving this goal after years of dedication and perseverance.

Neil reflects on the disappointment of winning a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Paralympics, despite being the overwhelming favorite. He describes the devastating impact of this setback and the subsequent realization that he needed to explore new avenues beyond competitive cycling.

Neil discovered a passion for sharing his knowledge and experience gained through his athletic career, recognizing the applicability of these lessons to various fields, including business and other sports. He expresses his desire to help others achieve their full potential by providing them with the tools and strategies he has acquired over the years.

In the quickfire questions segment, Neil highlights punctuality, respect, and honesty as non-negotiable behaviors that he expects from himself and those around him. He emphasizes the importance of effective communication, surrounding oneself with positive and supportive people, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Neil Fachie is a decorated British track and field athlete and cyclist, having won Paralympic gold in both disciplines. He transitioned from track and field to cycling for the 2012 London Games, where he secured a gold and silver medal in tandem B events for visually impaired athletes.

Fachie's cycling career has been marked by exceptional dominance, earning him 14 gold medals in the tandem B kilo and sprint disciplines at the UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships between 2009 and 2020. He added to his Paralympic medal collection with a silver in Rio 2016.

Fachie's journey to success wasn't without challenges. He struggled with accepting his visual impairment, initially resisting the use of a white cane due to the perceived stigma. However, a pivotal moment came when his wife, Laura, encouraged him to embrace his disability and use a cane for safety. This realization led to a newfound empowerment and pride in his identity.

Despite his remarkable achievements, Fachie remains grounded and focused on continuous improvement. He emphasizes the importance of grit, dedication, and the ability to take a step back and gain perspective as key qualities for success.

When asked about advice for his younger self, Fachie stresses the significance of accepting one's disability and embracing it as a defining characteristic rather than a weakness. He also highlights the value of perseverance and the ability to make progress every day, even when motivation is lacking.

Fachie's legacy extends beyond his personal accomplishments. He is passionate about empowering others, particularly those with disabilities, to pursue their aspirations and overcome perceived limitations. He believes in leaving a positive impact on the world and inspiring others to achieve their full potential.

In summary, Neil Fachie's journey is a testament to the power of resilience, self-acceptance, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. His story serves as an inspiration to anyone seeking to overcome challenges and live a high-performance life, both in sports and beyond.