Countdown to Cortina

Matt C Smith
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Countdown to Cortina is a weekly podcast leading up to the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics. The goal of the podcast is to educate, entertain and inspire people through the stories and values that sports promote; fairness, respect, courage and unity. Hosted & created by internationally acclaimed presenter, entrepreneur and soon to become Milano-Cortina Olympian Matt C Smith. The series features interviews with past and present Olympic & Paralympic legends, cult heroes, and hopefuls.

  1. The rise, then near death fall off a glacier, of Lebanon's first Cross Country Skier. Then 7 year rise back to Olympic status.

    JAN 7

    The rise, then near death fall off a glacier, of Lebanon's first Cross Country Skier. Then 7 year rise back to Olympic status.

    Summary In this engaging conversation, the Matt and Samer discuss the journey of a Lebanese cross-country skier who overcame significant challenges to qualify for the Olympics. They explore themes of resilience, the beauty of Lebanon's Cedars of God, the experience of competing at the Olympics, and the importance of support systems in an athlete's life. The conversation also delves into the lessons learned from adversity, the sacrifices made for athletic success, and the values that come with being an Olympian. Ultimately, the discussion emphasizes living in the moment and the power of belief in oneself. Takeaways The journey to the Olympics is filled with challenges and triumphs. Lebanon's Cedars of God is a beautiful training ground for athletes. Qualifying for the Olympics is a significant achievement for any athlete. Coping with pre-Olympic jitters involves living in the moment. Experiencing the Olympics is a unique and unforgettable experience. Overcoming adversity can lead to personal growth and resilience. Support systems are crucial for athletes during their journeys. Consistency and resilience are key to athletic success. Being an Olympian is about more than just competing; it's about values and legacy. Reflecting on past achievements can motivate future success. Sound bites "You can do it again." "Sports can humble you." "You need some help from others." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene 03:01 Journey to Cross-Country Skiing 05:55 The Beauty of Lebanon's Cedars of God 08:57 Qualifying for the Olympics 11:42 Pre-Olympic Jitters and Coping Mechanisms 15:00 Experiencing the Olympics for the First Time 17:51 Overcoming Adversity: The Near-Death Experience 20:52 Recovery and the Road Back to Competition 23:45 The Importance of Support Systems 26:36 Lessons Learned from the Athletic Journey 29:33 The Cost of Being an Athlete 32:31 The Values of an Olympian 35:35 Motivation and Resilience 38:25 Looking Ahead to Milano Cortina 41:27 Final Thoughts and Reflections Keywords Olympics, cross-country skiing, Lebanon, Cedars of God, resilience, athlete journey, overcoming adversity, Milano Cortina, Olympic values, support systems Follow Samer @samertawk.oly

    46 min
  2. Bjørn Dæhlie on Sports, Business, and the Power of Coincidence.

    2025-12-21

    Bjørn Dæhlie on Sports, Business, and the Power of Coincidence.

    In this engaging conversation, I interview Bjørn Dæhlie, a legendary cross-country skier, discussing his journey from professional athlete to businessman. We explore Bjørn's passion for skiing, his experiences in the sport, and the coincidences that shaped his career. The conversation delves into training insights, the evolution of Norwegian skiing, and the importance of mental preparation for competitions. Bjorn shares valuable advice for young athletes on building a personal brand and navigating sponsorships, while also reflecting on his iconic Olympic moments and the lessons learned from his athletic career. Keywords skiing, Bjorn Dali, cross-country skiing, Olympic moments, personal brand, athlete advice, training, competition, life after sports, mental preparationSummary In this engaging conversation, Matt C Smith interviews Bjorn Dali, a legendary cross-country skier, discussing his journey from professional athlete to businessman. They explore Bjorn's passion for skiing, his experiences in the sport, and the coincidences that shaped his career. The conversation delves into training insights, the evolution of Norwegian skiing, and the importance of mental preparation for competitions. Bjorn shares valuable advice for young athletes on building a personal brand and navigating sponsorships, while also reflecting on his iconic Olympic moments and the lessons learned from his athletic career. Takeaways Bjorn emphasizes the importance of enjoying the moment as an athlete. He believes that coincidences played a significant role in his career. Training with better athletes can elevate your performance. Mental preparation is crucial for competition success. Building a personal brand is essential for athletes today. Athletes should focus on long-term partnerships with sponsors. The evolution of Norwegian skiing has changed the competitive landscape. Bjorn encourages young athletes to find a supportive community. He reflects on the sacrifices made during his athletic career. Winning Olympic gold has provided him with confidence and opportunities. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Connection 02:56 Christmas Traditions and Skiing Passion 05:57 Life After Professional Skiing 08:47 Coincidences and Career Development 12:07 The Journey to Becoming a Professional Skier 14:55 Training Regimen and Techniques 18:03 The Evolution of Norwegian Skiing 20:50 Learning from the Best 24:01 The Importance of Community in Sports 26:46 Reflections on the Athlete's Life 29:44 Advice for Aspiring Athletes 32:36 The Olympic Journey and Mental Preparation 35:42 Iconic Olympic Moments 36:09 The Olympic Moment: A Personal Story 42:13 Building a Personal Brand as an Athlete 51:03 Lessons from Sports: Business Insights for Athletes 57:01 Advice for Young Athletes: Building Partnerships

    59 min
  3. How 6x Paralympic medalist Kjartan Haugen came back from retirement, to medal at the Beijing 2022 Olympics.

    2025-12-03

    How 6x Paralympic medalist Kjartan Haugen came back from retirement, to medal at the Beijing 2022 Olympics.

    In this episode, I sit down with Kjartan Haugen a Norwegian Para athlete who lost his leg to cancer at 18yrs old. He went onto gain 6 Olympic medals, and in this conversation we touch on how he returned fro 10yrs, then came back and won another medal in Beijing and what that time off taught him about bing an athlete now. Takeaways Returning to sport after a long break can reignite passion and joy. Experiencing the Paralympics is a unique and memorable journey for athletes. Mental preparation is crucial for success in high-pressure competitions. Winning medals can bring both joy and unexpected pressure. Focus on performance rather than the prestige of the event. Equipment and technology play a vital role in para sports performance. Classification in para sports is complex and continually evolving. Athletes often face unique challenges that require tailored training approaches. The joy of sport should always be a primary motivation for athletes. Follow Kjartan at @Kjartannhaugen on intagram.

    38 min
  4. How to go viral as an athlete with Aussie Olympian & Social Media Guru; Seve De Campo

    2025-11-19

    How to go viral as an athlete with Aussie Olympian & Social Media Guru; Seve De Campo

    Summary In this engaging conversation, Seve De Campo shares his journey as a cross-country skier, from his early days in Melbourne to his experiences as an Olympian. The discussion covers the importance of mental preparation, the significance of personal branding for athletes, and the role of social media in building a community. Seve also reflects on the lessons learned from his Olympic journey and offers advice for managing pre-race jitters. The conversation highlights the fun and camaraderie in the sport, as well as the challenges faced by athletes in their pursuit of excellence. Takeaways Seve is preparing for his first race in Ruka. The importance of mental preparation before races. Cross-country skiing has a strong community in Australia. Seve's journey from Melbourne to the Olympics. The significance of personal branding for athletes. Live streaming can enhance athlete engagement. The King of Trondheim promotes fun in skiing. Social media can be a powerful tool for athletes. Enjoying the journey is as important as the destination. Building a personal brand takes time and authenticity. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Chit-Chat 04:51 Seve's Journey in Cross-Country Skiing 19:35 The Transition to Europe and Professionalism 34:18 Individualized Training and Future Aspirations 23:45 The Role of AI in Coaching and Training 28:19 First World Cup Experience: Overcoming Challenges 31:17 Qualifying for the Olympics: The Journey to Beijing 35:57 Experiencing the Olympics: Highlights from Beijing 38:56 Looking Ahead: Anticipation for Milano Cortina 40:26 Social Media Mastery: Building a Personal Brand 47:28 Building Connections in Sports 50:13 The Importance of Personal Branding 53:18 Innovative Approaches to Athlete Branding 59:10 The Journey of an Olympian 01:08:53 Embracing the Olympic Experience

    1h 9m
  5. A crash course in curling with 3 x Olympian Markus Høiberg. And why it just might be the coolest sport to watch at the Olympics.

    2025-10-31

    A crash course in curling with 3 x Olympian Markus Høiberg. And why it just might be the coolest sport to watch at the Olympics.

    Summary In this episode, Matt C Smith interviews Markus Hoiberg, a three-time Olympian in curling, exploring the intricacies of the sport, its evolution, and the unique experiences of competing at the Olympics. They discuss the importance of teamwork, mental preparation, and the physical demands of curling, as well as the impact of recent scandals on the sport's equipment standards. Markus shares insights from his Olympic journey, offering advice for first-time Olympians and highlighting the dominance of curling nations like Canada. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Curling and the Podcast 01:58 Markus's Journey into Curling 03:10 The Evolution of Curling: From Outdoors to Indoors 05:40 Understanding the Game of Curling 10:20 The Role of Sweeping in Curling 11:55 The Broomgate Scandal and Its Impact 16:40 The Athletic Side of Curling 22:21 Mental Training and Team Dynamics 26:25 Training Regimens for Curlers 28:31 The Evolution of Curling and Its Dominant Nations 30:52 Experiencing the Olympics: First Impressions and Lessons Learned 34:45 Roles and Responsibilities: From Alternate to Competitor 40:00 Advice for First-Time Olympians: Embracing the Experience 41:58 The Fun Side of Curling: Culture and Community 42:53 The Intricacies of Curling: Surprising Facts and Insights Takeaways Curling has evolved from outdoor to indoor play due to weather conditions. The sport of curling involves strategy, teamwork, and physical fitness. Sweeping plays a crucial role in controlling the rock's path. The Broomgate scandal highlighted the importance of standardized equipment in curling. Mental preparation is as important as physical training for curlers. Curling requires a high level of fitness, especially for sweepers. The Olympic experience is unique and varies from first to third participation. Canada is the dominant nation in curling, with a rich history in the sport. Team dynamics and communication are vital for success in curling. The Mixed Doubles format offers a faster-paced alternative to traditional curling.

    45 min
  6. How to build a YouTube following as an athlete: the Zak Ketterson playbook on Storytelling, and Self-Branding.

    2025-10-23

    How to build a YouTube following as an athlete: the Zak Ketterson playbook on Storytelling, and Self-Branding.

    Zak Ketterson shares his journey as a cross-country skier, discussing his upbringing in Minnesota, the impact of the NCAA system on his career, and the importance of building a personal brand as an athlete. He emphasizes the role of social media and content creation in connecting with fans and sponsors, and reflects on his aspirations for the upcoming Olympics. Zak also highlights the significance of authenticity in his content and the challenges and rewards of being a professional athlete. takeaways Zak Ketterson emphasizes the importance of seeing athletes as multifaceted individuals.The NCAA system provides a sustainable path for athletes to balance education and sports.Building a personal brand is crucial for athletes to thrive financially.Social media platforms like YouTube and newsletters are effective tools for athlete engagement.Authenticity in content creation helps athletes connect with their audience.The journey of a professional athlete involves both challenges and opportunities.Minnesota has a strong cross-country skiing culture that supports young athletes.The importance of community support in an athlete's journey is paramount.Zak's experience shows that setbacks can lead to new opportunities for growth.The Olympic experience is about more than just competition; it's about the memories made. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Zak Ketterson 02:03 The Journey of a Cross-Country Skier 06:10 Growing Up in Minnesota: A Cross-Country Skiing Culture 10:53 The NCAA System and Its Impact on Skiing 16:08 Building a Personal Brand as an Athlete 21:54 The Role of Social Media in Skiing 27:41 Content Creation: YouTube and Newsletters 33:47 The Importance of Authenticity in Content 39:37 The Future of Zak Ketterson: Olympic Aspirations 54:36 Reflections on the Olympic Experience

    56 min
  7. From War Zone to World Championships. How Paralympian Scott Meenagh is still fighting for his country, on the ski tracks.

    2025-10-03

    From War Zone to World Championships. How Paralympian Scott Meenagh is still fighting for his country, on the ski tracks.

    Scott Meenagh is a former solder turned Paralympian. In this episode we get a master class in resilience from his journey into parasports, to his fight to keep his sport funded and represented. Takeaways The journey to success is often filled with adversity. Finding purpose in sport can lead to personal growth. The transition to a new sport can be challenging but rewarding. Military training can influence athletic mindset positively. Community support is crucial for athletes' success. The cost of elite sport often affects family and friends. Finding balance in life is essential for long-term success. Selflessness can enhance team dynamics and performance. Enjoying the journey is as important as the end goal. Preparation for major events requires mental and physical readiness. Chapters 00:00 The Path to Paralympic Sports 02:56 The Role of Sport in Rehabilitation 05:59 The Invictus Games Experience 08:37 Transitioning to Nordic Skiing 11:37 Military Mindset vs. Athletic Mindset 14:50 The Cost of Elite Performance 17:52 Balancing Life and Sport 20:57 The Importance of Enjoying the Journey 23:56 Parenting and Athletic Identity 26:46 Training with Purpose and Fun 38:38 Training Identity and Unique Approaches 44:59 Fearlessness and the Secret Sauce 52:15 The Journey to Nordic Skiing 59:33 Overcoming Challenges and Funding Issues 01:03:24 Looking Forward to Milan 2026

    1h 13m
  8. How athletes can post & perform, building personal brands and their sport in the process, with Biathlete Boris Stanish

    2025-09-22

    How athletes can post & perform, building personal brands and their sport in the process, with Biathlete Boris Stanish

    In this engaging conversation, Matt and Boris Stanish explore Boris's journey as an aspiring biathlete aiming for the Olympics through his Project 509 initiative. They discuss the importance of social media in documenting the athlete's journey, the challenges of balancing training with content creation, and the impact of community engagement. Boris shares insights on his experiences, the significance of building in public, and the legacy he hopes to create. The conversation culminates in reflections on the road to the Olympics and the opportunities that arise from sharing one's journey. Takeaways Boris's journey into biathlon began at a young age due to his parents' love for skiing. Project 509 is about documenting every day of Boris's journey to the Olympics. Social media can be a powerful tool for athletes to share their stories and inspire others. Consistency in content creation is key, even during tough times. Building a community around sports can lead to greater engagement and support. Athletes should focus on documenting their process rather than striving for perfection in content. The importance of having a clear mission and goals in sports and social media. Boris emphasizes the need for athletes to give back to their communities. Social media can open doors to opportunities and sponsorships for athletes. The journey to the Olympics is filled with challenges, but perseverance is crucial. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Social Media Bromance 04:52 Inspiration and the Journey to Biathlon 07:18 The Path to Becoming an Olympian 10:01 Project 509: Documenting the Olympic Journey 12:54 Building in Public: The Athlete's Perspective 15:22 Content Creation and Consistency 18:18 Balancing Social Media and Athletic Life 21:16 Opportunities from Social Media Engagement 23:36 Community Engagement and Giving Back 26:27 Future Aspirations and Financial Opportunities 32:01 Rolls for Rolls: Building Community Through Roller Skiing 36:22 Inspiration from Young Athletes: The Power of Community 38:36 Legacy and Goals: What Will We Leave Behind? 39:56 Challenges of Project 509: Overcoming Adversity 43:10 Consistency in Content Creation: The Daily Grind 47:15 Olympic Aspirations: The Road to Qualification 50:38 Looking Forward: Anticipating the Olympics #biathlon, #Project509, #Olympics, #socialmedia, #athletejourney, #contentcreation, #communityengagement, #training, #legacy, #inspiration

    55 min
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About

Countdown to Cortina is a weekly podcast leading up to the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics. The goal of the podcast is to educate, entertain and inspire people through the stories and values that sports promote; fairness, respect, courage and unity. Hosted & created by internationally acclaimed presenter, entrepreneur and soon to become Milano-Cortina Olympian Matt C Smith. The series features interviews with past and present Olympic & Paralympic legends, cult heroes, and hopefuls.

Information

  • Creator
    Matt C Smith
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Matt C Smith
  • Show Website
    Countdown to Cortina

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