Flame Bearers: Pathways to Paris

Jamie Mittelman
Flame Bearers: Pathways to Paris

The 2024 Olympics and Paralympics are approaching. Over 7000 women will be competing and right now they’re in the final stretch of preparation. Through exclusive interviews with these athletes, we’ll find out exactly what it takes to be a Flame Bearer. Flame Bearers is a global storytelling platform, illuminating the untold stories of resilient women Olympians & Paralympians. We tell stories via video, podcast, and live events. In Flame Bearers: Pathways to Paris, new co-host, 2-time Olympian, and 6-time French National Figure Skating Champ Maé-Bérénice Méité will join us in talking to the athletes competing in the City of Lights. Watch our episodes on YouTube to see our conversations. Tune into all podcast episodes, wherever you get your podcasts including: -Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... -Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sLW663... -Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0... -Castro: https://castro.fm/podcast/f31308b5-4c... Learn more about Flame Bearers here: flamebearerspodcast.com Social Media Handles: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flamebearer... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FlameBearers... TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@flame_bearers X: https://twitter.com/flamebearers LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flam...

  1. قبل ساعة واحدة

    UNEDITED: Challenges Can Break You OR Make You a Superhero

    “You can either let challenges break you or turn you into a superhero.” This belief drives Saman Soltani, a former Iranian national swimming champion turned Refugee Olympic Team canoeist. Born into a culture where restrictions on women in sports are severe, Saman’s dreams were nearly crushed when she faced persecution for trained internationally without adhering to strict hijab laws. Fleeing Iran with nothing but a suitcase, she sought asylum in Austria and began a new life against overwhelming odds. Saman's determination paid off as she became a proud member of the Refugee Olympic Team, competing at the Paris 2024 Olympics. “When I passed the Olympic rings at the Eiffel Tower during the opening ceremony, I couldn’t stop crying—it was exactly like my dreams,” she reflects. Despite her achievements, Saman’s challenges are far from over. As a refugee athlete, she navigates barriers like funding, visa restrictions, and the psychological toll of starting over. Yet, she remains steadfast in her mission: to inspire women and refugees worldwide to never give up. “If I can do it, so can you,” she says. In this episode, Saman shares her incredible story of resilience, her experiences competing as a refugee athlete, and her advice for overcoming life’s toughest challenges. She also reveals her vision for the future: winning an Olympic medal and empowering others to believe in their own potential. “Celebrate the small victories, because they will take you to greater heights.” ---------- Flame Bearers: UNEDITED, a new video and podcast series celebrates the journeys of elite women athletes from around the world at all phases of their journeys: seeking their first international qualifications, at the pinnacle of their careers, and after retirement. In this largely UNEDITED series, we'll meet more athletes than ever before, all at various stages of their paths. This series is different not only because we're broadening who we're featuring, but how we're doing so. In the spirit of bringing you MORE STORIES, the tradeoff is fewer bells + whistles (i.e. animations & fancy sound effects than we normally include in our productions). We think it's worth the trade off so we can elevate more women doing incredible work -- we'd love to hear your thoughts. ------ Flame Bearers is a multi media movement, illuminating the unsung stories of elite women athletes from around the world. We tell stories via podcast, video and live events and have worked with over 250 Olympians and Paralympians from 55 countries and counting. For more videos about elite women athletes, subscribe to our YouTube channel ► / @flamebearers Follow us - Instagram - / flamebearers Facebook - / flamebearerspodcast Linkedin - / flame-bearers Tiktok- / flame_bearers X- / flame_bearers OUR WEBSITE - https://flamebearers.com/

    ٢١ من الدقائق
  2. ٨ رجب

    UNEDITED: Being Strong Is Cool

    *You can watch this episode of Flame Bearers: UNEDITED on YouTube via the Flame Bearers channel if you would like to tune in with visuals* -------------------- In this episode of Flame Bearers: UNEDITED, we sit down with Babalwa Latsha, the first professional woman XV rugby player in Africa, to hear her story of breaking barriers, embracing identity, and advocating for women in sports. From her early days discovering rugby in South Africa to dominating as a pro in the Premier 15s league, Babalwa talks about how rugby gave her freedom and empowered her to find her voice. Throughout, Babalwa talks about how "it’s not about what my body looks like, but what my body can do for me." She shares about the growth of women’s rugby in South Africa and how she’s witnessed the sport evolve as THE FIRST pro woman rugby athlete to a growing movement. Her vision for the future of women’s sports? "I want a world with packed stadiums, where women’s sports are fully professionalized, and athletes can make a good living without needing a nine-to-five job." Babalwa also offers this advice to her younger self—"Find your voice, and once you do, be unapologetically yourself." She also encourages listeners to embrace bravery in all its forms: "Being brave doesn’t mean you’re not scared. It’s a process of understanding how far you’ve come and how much more you can do." In this episode, Babalwa talks about her work with the Menstruation Foundation. Learn more about their important work here: https://menstruation.foundation/ ----------- Flame Bearers is a multi media movement, illuminating the unsung stories of elite women athletes from around the world. We tell stories via podcast, video, and live events and have worked with over 250 Olympians and Paralympians from 55 countries and counting. For more videos about elite women athletes, subscribe to our YouTube channel ► / @flamebearers Follow us - Instagram - / flamebearers Facebook - / flamebearerspodcast Linkedin - / flame-bearers Tiktok- / flame_bearers X- / flame_bearers OUR WEBSITE - https://flamebearers.com/

    ٢٣ من الدقائق
  3. ١٧‏/٠٦‏/١٤٤٦ هـ

    UNEDITED: Disability is Not a Curse

    *You can watch this episode of Flame Bearers: UNEDITED on YouTube via the Flame Bearers channel if you would like to tune in with visuals* ------- “Never give up. Any opportunity can come up, and you need to grasp it.” This mantra fuels Husnah Kukundakwe, a 17-year-old, 2x Paralympian from Uganda. In a culture where “most people like me, who are born with a disability, are seen as curses to the family...some are just killed right on the spot,” Husnah has defied every expectation. She made history as the first Ugandan swimmer to qualify for the Paralympics on merit and became the youngest athlete across all sports at the Tokyo Paralympics. She continues to smash African records and is ranked among the top 10 swimmers in Uganda (including able-bodied athletes). That said, her journey hasn’t been without setbacks. “I was swapped out of a swim race as a kid because I wasn’t seen as good enough—but I came back to prove them all wrong,” she shares. And prove them wrong she did—sweeping the medals against able-bodied athletes. For Husnah, swimming is more than a sport; it’s a source of strength and self-discovery. “It helped me stop hiding my hand and gave me the confidence to embrace who I am.” Now, Husnah is determined to create opportunities for others. When not competing, she's working to launch the Husnah Kukundakwe Disability Sports Foundation, aimed at supporting young athletes with disabilities in Uganda. “I wouldn’t want anyone to lose hope because of something like finances,” she explains. “Everyone deserves a chance to try.” In this episode, Husnah shares her record-breaking achievements, her experiences challenging cultural misconceptions about disability, and her bold vision for Uganda’s para-sports future. She also offers inspiring advice: “Ignore the negativity, believe in yourself, and find something you love that makes you feel free.” ----------- Flame Bearers: UNEDITED, a new video and podcast series celebrates the journeys of elite women athletes from around the world at all phases of their journeys: seeking their first international qualifications, at the pinnacle of their careers, and after retirement. In this largely UNEDITED series, we'll meet more athletes than ever before, all at various stages of their paths. This series is different not only because we're broadening who we're featuring, but how we're doing so. In the spirit of bringing you MORE STORIES, the tradeoff is fewer bells + whistles (i.e. animations & fancy sound effects than we normally include in our productions). We think it's worth the trade off so we can elevate more women doing incredible work -- we'd love to hear your thoughts. ------ Flame Bearers is a multi media movement, illuminating the unsung stories of elite women athletes from around the world. We tell stories via podcast, video and live events and have worked with over 250 Olympians and Paralympians from 55 countries and counting. For more videos about elite women athletes, subscribe to our YouTube channel ► / @flamebearers Follow us - Instagram - / flamebearers Facebook - / flamebearerspodcast Linkedin - / flame-bearers Tiktok- / flame_bearers X- / flame_bearers OUR WEBSITE - https://flamebearers.com/

    ٢٦ من الدقائق
  4. ١٠‏/٠٦‏/١٤٤٦ هـ

    UNEDITED: I Had to be Prettier, Funnier to Compensate

    “Your body isn’t broken—it just works differently now.” That’s how Dana Mathewson—3x Team USA Wheelchair Paralympian, and Wimbledon champ—views her body today, but that wasn't always her perspective. At the age of 10, Dana developed a rare auto-immune condition. When most girls are desperately trying to fit in with their peers, Dana was forced to reimagine her identity and future. She shares, “I was 10 years old, and suddenly, the thing everyone noticed about me was my wheelchair. I felt like I had to be prettier, funnier—just more—to compensate for what I thought was a huge defect.” Reflecting on this period, Dana mentions, "sports taught me to see my body as something to celebrate, not to hide." Wheelchair tennis helped her rebuild confidence and overcome self-doubt,, ultimately propelling her to the highest levels of competition on the global stage. "Although my body doesn’t work the same way it used to, that doesn’t mean it’s broken. It just means I’ve found a new way to make it work for me—and it does." Dana also opens up about her decision to retire after over a decade in the sport, saying, “I realized I wanted to spend more time with my family and my new husband—there was more to life than constant travel and training.” She remains deeply connected to the game, transitioning into commentary and consulting roles, where she plans to bring her firsthand insights to a wider audience. We can't wait to tune in! Throughout, Dana discusses the challenges of breaking down misconceptions about Paralympic sports, the importance of representation, and her hopes for para-sports leading into LA 2028. Plus, she offers advice for anyone navigating life’s challenges: lean into what makes you unique, find community, and don’t be afraid to redefine success. “The outlets are out there, and others are searching for you just as much as you’re searching for them,” she says. --------- We heard you loud & clear: you want more athlete's stories, so we responded. Flame Bearers: UNEDITED, a new video and podcast series celebrates the journeys of elite women athletes from around the world at all phases of their journeys: seeking their first international qualifications, at the pinnacle of their careers, and after retirement. In this largely UNEDITED series, we'll meet more athletes than ever before, all at various stages of their paths. This series is different not only because we're broadening who we're featuring, but how we're doing so. In the spirit of bringing you MORE STORIES, the tradeoff is fewer bells + whistles (i.e. animations & fancy sound effects than we normally include in our productions). We think it's worth the trade off so we can elevate more women doing incredible work -- we'd love to hear your thoughts. ------ Flame Bearers is a multi media movement, illuminating the unsung stories of elite women athletes from around the world. We tell stories via podcast, video and live events and have worked with over 250 Olympians and Paralympians from 55 countries and counting. For more videos about elite women athletes, subscribe to our YouTube channel ► https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVnEbCOeOvNlK6Bocw9ZSdA?sub_confirmation=1 Follow us - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/flamebearers/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/FlameBearersPodcast Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/flame-bearers/ Tiktok- https://www.tiktok.com/@flame_bearers X- https://twitter.com/flame_bearers OUR WEBSITE - https://flamebearers.com/

    ٢٥ من الدقائق
  5. ٠٤‏/٠٦‏/١٤٤٦ هـ

    UNEDITED: Not A Linear Path

    “What we do is sometimes the least interesting thing about us.” That’s how Julie-Anne Staehli—an Olympian from Canada and pro runner with Team New Balance Boston—sees it. With over a decade of experience competing at the highest levels, Julie-Anne has learned that while competing is a big part of her, it's what she does, not who she is. In this episode, Julie-Anne opens up about her journey, from growing up playing every sport imaginable to finding her stride as an endurance athlete. She shares how resilience, grit, and her “stubborn determination” helped her navigate the ups and downs of elite competition. Julie-Anne also dives into the importance of joy and balance, guided by her coach’s mantra: “Healthy, happy, and then running fast.” She talks about avoiding burnout, embracing the unique paths that bring athletes to the start line, and the lessons she’s learned about leadership and authenticity. Plus, she offers advice for anyone chasing big goals: stay present, enjoy the ride, and don’t take it all too seriously. Photo credit: Heather MacEachern-Tarasick ------ We heard you loud & clear: you want more athlete's stories, so we responded. Flame Bearers: UNEDITED, a new video and podcast series celebrates the journeys of elite women athletes from around the world at all phases of their journeys: seeking their first international qualifications, at the pinnacle of their careers, and after retirement. In this largely UNEDITED series, we'll meet more athletes than ever before, all at various stages of their paths. This series is different not only because we're broadening who we're featuring, but how we're doing so. In the spirit of bringing you MORE STORIES, the tradeoff is fewer bells + whistles (i.e. animations & fancy sound effects than we normally include in our productions). We think it's worth the trade off so we can elevate more women doing incredible work -- we'd love to hear your thoughts.

    ١٣ من الدقائق
  6. ٢٥‏/٠٥‏/١٤٤٦ هـ

    UNEDITED: Being a normal person is really hard

    "If you have the chance to be the best in the world at something, even for the fourth time, you should probably take it." Caryn Davies, a 3x Olympic medalist, shares her extraordinary journey of ambition, resilience, and self-discovery in this unfiltered conversation. Caryn, who competed in three Olympic Games—Athens (2004), Beijing (2008), and London (2012)—amassed an impressive record: a silver medal in Athens and back-to-back gold medals in Beijing and London as part of the U.S. Women’s Eight. She reflects on her initial decision to retire after London, only to feel drawn back to rowing years later, inspired by her enduring love for the sport and the possibility of a fourth Olympic appearance in Tokyo. Her return, however, was anything but straightforward. She recounts the struggles of reintegrating with a younger team, battling a significant injury, and ultimately being cut from the Tokyo squad. Despite not making the final team, Caryn explains how she redefined success: "Even though I didn’t make it to the Olympic Games... I had won something more important than a gold medal: the respect and love of my teammates." In this conversation Caryn shares about her learnings from the most challenging moments, including the power of vulnerability, the importance of seeking feedback, and the delicate balance of intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation. She also offers unique insights into what it means to embody the Olympic ideals of excellence, respect, and joy in effort: "A true Olympian honors not just excellence but also friendship and respect, even amidst fierce competition." Caryn takes us behind the scenes of her life as an elite rower and shares how the lessons from her Olympic journey now guide her in her career as a lawyer. She shares how "being a normal person [not an elite athlete] is really hard." This conversation is a testament to the idea that greatness isn't just measured by medals but by the impact you leave on those around you.

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The 2024 Olympics and Paralympics are approaching. Over 7000 women will be competing and right now they’re in the final stretch of preparation. Through exclusive interviews with these athletes, we’ll find out exactly what it takes to be a Flame Bearer. Flame Bearers is a global storytelling platform, illuminating the untold stories of resilient women Olympians & Paralympians. We tell stories via video, podcast, and live events. In Flame Bearers: Pathways to Paris, new co-host, 2-time Olympian, and 6-time French National Figure Skating Champ Maé-Bérénice Méité will join us in talking to the athletes competing in the City of Lights. Watch our episodes on YouTube to see our conversations. Tune into all podcast episodes, wherever you get your podcasts including: -Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... -Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sLW663... -Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0... -Castro: https://castro.fm/podcast/f31308b5-4c... Learn more about Flame Bearers here: flamebearerspodcast.com Social Media Handles: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flamebearer... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FlameBearers... TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@flame_bearers X: https://twitter.com/flamebearers LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flam...

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