E77 - Olympics Special #4: Jason Kenny

Jason Kenny has just won his eighth cycling medal at the Tokyo Olympics to become Great Britain's most decorated Olympian of all time. 

At the age of 20, Jason won his first Olympic gold, alongside Sir Chris Hoy, in the team sprint at the Beijing Games in 2008 and was one of the figureheads of the highly successful Great Britain Cycling Team at their home Olympics in London four years later, taking his career haul to three golds medals in the sprint and team sprint. But it was in Rio that Jason really wrote his name into British Olympic folklore, winning three more titles, in the team sprint, sprint and keirin.

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Thank you to Lotus Cars for being our very special parter for this Olympics series. Lotus has created the new cutting edge Olympic bike to be raced by Team GB at the Tokyo Olympics RIGHT NOW! The very bike that Jason was riding as he picked up his 8th Olympic gold medall. It is an incredible design you really have to see for yourself! Check it out at lotuscars.com 

Have you seen our book cover?! Get you hands on signed copies of our new book, High Performance: Lessons from the best on becoming your best, right here: https://bit.ly/3xQwAsL 

Check out a brand new newsletter for our members club THE HIGH PERFORMANCE CIRCLE! On the Circle this month:

* Exclusive Podcast with Chrissie Wellington - 4 x Ironman World Champion and Global Lead for Health & Wellbeing for parkrun.

* Keynote with former England Rugby Sevens captain Ollie Phillips

* High Performance Boosts with British Wheelchair Tennis Champion and Paralympic medal winner Jordanne Whiley MBE, Olympic Gold medal winning rower Ben Hunt-Davis and adventurer Levison Wood.

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**High-Performance Mindset and the Journey to Olympic Success with Cyclist Jason Kenny**

Jason Kenny, a remarkable British cyclist, has achieved extraordinary success in the world of track cycling, earning six Olympic gold medals and three world championships. In this captivating conversation, Kenny shares his insights on high performance, the significance of process over outcome, and the transformative impact of becoming a father on his mindset as an athlete.

**Defining High Performance**

Kenny emphasizes that high performance is not about being outcome-focused but rather about maintaining a single-minded focus on the process. He believes that the key to success lies in dedicating oneself entirely to achieving a single goal, even when faced with distractions and setbacks along the way.

**Process vs. Outcome**

Kenny cautions against the trap of becoming too outcome-oriented, as this can lead to unnecessary pressure and hinder performance. Instead, he advocates for a process-oriented approach, where athletes concentrate on the steps and actions necessary to achieve their goals, rather than solely fixating on the final outcome.

**The Journey and Enjoying the Process**

Kenny stresses the importance of enjoying the journey of pursuing a goal, rather than solely focusing on the end result. He believes that true fulfillment comes from embracing the process, learning from experiences, and cherishing the moments along the way, even if the desired outcome is not achieved.

**Maturity and Fatherhood**

Kenny acknowledges that becoming a father has significantly influenced his mindset as an athlete. He explains that the responsibility of fatherhood has brought a new perspective to his life, helping him to prioritize what truly matters and to appreciate the journey more than ever before.

**The Power of Marginal Gains**

Kenny highlights the significance of marginal gains, emphasizing that small, incremental improvements can accumulate over time to make a substantial difference in performance. He believes that by continuously seeking ways to improve, even in the smallest aspects, athletes can unlock their full potential.

**The Importance of a Supportive Team**

Kenny acknowledges the crucial role of his team in his success. He emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with a supportive network of coaches, nutritionists, and other experts who can provide guidance, motivation, and assistance in achieving one's goals.

**Selfishness in High Performance**

Kenny acknowledges that high-performance athletes may be perceived as selfish, as they often prioritize their own goals and ambitions. However, he argues that this selfishness is necessary to achieve success in a competitive environment, as it allows athletes to fully dedicate themselves to their pursuit of excellence.

**Conclusion**

Jason Kenny's insights offer valuable lessons for athletes, coaches, and anyone striving for high performance. His emphasis on process over outcome, the importance of enjoying the journey, and the power of marginal gains provides a blueprint for success in any field. His story is a testament to the transformative power of dedication, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

# Podcast Episode Summary: The High Performance Podcast with Jason Kenny

**Episode Title:** Jason Kenny: The Most Decorated British Olympian

**Episode Overview:**

In this episode, host Jake Humphrey sits down with Jason Kenny, the most decorated British Olympian of all time, to discuss his journey to success, his mindset, and his approach to dealing with pressure and adversity.

**Key Points:**

* **Embracing Selfishness:** Kenny believes that selfishness can be a healthy trait in the context of high-performance sports. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing self-care and recovery to maintain peak performance.

* **Balancing Personal Life and Career:** Kenny acknowledges the challenge of balancing the demands of a demanding career with personal life. He highlights the importance of making time for family and loved ones, even during intense training and competition periods.

* **Dealing with Pressure:** Kenny emphasizes the importance of staying focused on the task at hand and avoiding distractions. He believes in setting clear goals and working towards them systematically, without getting caught up in external pressures.

* **Handling Disappointment:** Kenny shares his approach to dealing with disappointment, which involves acknowledging the setback, learning from the experience, and moving forward. He stresses the importance of not dwelling on failures and maintaining a positive mindset.

* **Mindset Shift from Young Athlete to Seasoned Competitor:** Kenny reflects on his evolution as an athlete, transitioning from a young competitor focused on results to a more experienced athlete who values the process and continuous improvement.

* **Navigating Team Dynamics:** Kenny discusses the importance of creating a positive and supportive team culture. He highlights the role of open communication, mutual respect, and shared goals in fostering team cohesion and success.

* **Handling Criticism and Social Media:** Kenny acknowledges the potential impact of social media feedback but chooses not to engage with it actively. He believes in seeking feedback from trusted sources and focusing on improving his performance rather than responding to external criticism.

* **Advice for Aspiring Athletes:** Kenny emphasizes the importance of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. He encourages young athletes to stay focused on their goals, learn from setbacks, and surround themselves with supportive people.

**Overall Message:**

Jason Kenny's journey to becoming the most decorated British Olympian is a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence, his ability to handle pressure, and his resilience in the face of adversity. His insights into the mindset, strategies, and habits that have contributed to his success offer valuable lessons for aspiring athletes and anyone seeking to achieve high performance in their chosen field.

## Summary of The High Performance Podcast Episode with Jason Kenny, 8-Time Olympic Gold Medalist ##

**Introduction**

- Jason Kenny, a British track cyclist, recently won his eighth Olympic medal, making him Great Britain's most decorated Olympian of all time.
- Kenny, now 33 years old, first won an Olympic gold medal in the team sprint at the 2008 Beijing Games alongside Sir Chris Hoy.
- He was a key member of the highly successful Great Britain Cycling Team at the 2012 London Olympics, where he won three more gold medals in the sprint, team sprint, and keirin.
- In Rio, Kenny won three more titles in the team sprint, sprint, and keirin, cementing his status as one of the greatest cyclists of all time.

**Interview Highlights**

- Kenny credits his success to the support he received from his family, friends, and coaches, particularly Ian Dyer, who taught him valuable lessons about mental toughness and resilience.
- He also emphasizes the importance of enjoying the process and not getting too caught up in the pursuit of results.
- Kenny retired from cycling in 2016 but returned to the sport in 2018 after taking a year off to focus on his personal life.
- He says that the break helped him to rediscover his love for cycling and to come back stronger than ever.
- Kenny is unsure if he will continue cycling after the Tokyo Olympics, but he is enjoying the experience and is focused on delivering a strong performance.
- He believes that happiness is the most important measure of success and that it is important to appreciate the people who support you.
- Kenny's one golden rule for living a high-performance life is to not become obsessed with one thing and to remember that there are many pieces of the puzzle that need to come together to deliver a successful performance.

**Key Insights and Takeaways**

- Success is not just about talent and hard work; it also requires the support of others and the ability to enjoy the process.
- Taking a break from your sport or career can be beneficial for rediscovering your love for it and coming back stronger.
- It is important to focus on happiness and appreciation, not just on achieving results.
- Don't become obsessed with one thing; there are many pieces of the puzzle that need to come together to deliver a successful performance.

## Summary of the Podcast Episode: Jason Kenny's Inspiring Journey to Becoming Great Britain's Most Decorated Olympian ##


**Introduction:**

- Jason Kenny, a remarkable British cyclist, recently achieved the extraordinary feat of winning his eighth Olympic medal at the Tokyo Olympics, making him Great Britain's most decorated Olympian of all time.


**Jason Kenny's Olympic Success:**

- At the age of 20, Jason Kenny won his first Olympic gold medal in the team sprint alongside Sir Chris Hoy at the 2008 Beijing Games.
- In the 2012 London Olympics, Jason Kenny emerged as a prominent figure in the highly successful Great Britain Cycling Team, securing three gold medals in the sprint, team sprint, and keirin events.
- Jason Kenny cemented his legendary status at the 2016 Rio Olympics by winning three more titles in the team sprint, sprint, and keirin, solidifying his position as a British Olympic icon.


**The Significance of Jason Kenny's Achievements:**

- Jason Kenny's remarkable achievements have earned him a special place in British Olympic history, surpassing the previous record held by Sir Bradley Wiggins.
- His success serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and showcases the dedication and perseverance required to achieve greatness in the world of sports.


**The Podcast Episode:**

- The podcast episode is a captivating and engaging conversation between Jake Humphrey and Jason Kenny, delving into the cyclist's incredible journey to Olympic glory.
- Jason Kenny shares his experiences, challenges, and motivations, offering valuable insights into the mindset and determination of a champion.
- The episode provides an in-depth exploration of Jason Kenny's career, highlighting his triumphs, setbacks, and the unwavering support of his family and team.


**Key Takeaways:**

- Jason Kenny's success is a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence and his ability to perform under immense pressure.
- The episode emphasizes the importance of teamwork, collaboration, and the role of a supportive environment in achieving sporting greatness.
- Jason Kenny's story serves as an inspiration to individuals seeking to overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential in any field.


**Conclusion:**

- The podcast episode offers a compelling narrative of Jason Kenny's remarkable achievements, providing listeners with an inspiring account of his journey to becoming Great Britain's most decorated Olympian.
- The episode highlights the values of perseverance, dedication, and the transformative power of sport in shaping individual lives and inspiring future generations.