Forging Gold: The Making of a Champion

Katie Ledecky is one of the most dominant athletes of her generation– a record-breaking force in the water and tied as the most decorated female swimmer of all time. But what actually goes into staying on top for more than a decade? On this episode of Forging Gold, Katie opens up about the system behind her success: the foundation, training, mindset, and even the rivalries that push her to excel in every race. From her famous “galloping kick” to the mental tricks that keep her focused lap after lap, she shares what it really takes to stay at the top. Listen in as Rennae and Katie dive into her proudest achievements, toughest challenges, and how she stays fired up to keep getting better—even when she’s already a champion. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You probably know the name Allyson Felix– most decorated track athlete of all time, hero in the fight for maternal protections, and the woman who took on one of sport’s biggest brands to change the conversation around pay and power. But what did it cost her to get there?   In this episode, Rennae speaks with Allyson about the race that hurt the most, the Nike showdown that made headlines, the grief she didn’t expect after retiring, and the fight for equity that continues even after stepping away from the podium. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gus Kenworthy was already a freestyle skiing legend when he changed the landscape of the sport entirely. Coming out publicly in 2015, he became the first openly gay athlete in action sports– a moment that didn’t slow him down, but sharpened his edge.   Now, more than a decade later, host Rennae Stubbs sits down with Gus to reflect on a career defined by boldness, fearlessness, and authenticity, and how being fully himself became a kind of superpower. From his early days on the slopes to a real-life Heated Rivalry storyline, Gus unpacks the lessons, setbacks, and drive that shaped him– and what’s behind his more recent decision to come out (of retirement this time). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join former pro tennis player Rennae Stubbs as she takes you inside the world of elite athletics– beyond the trophies and highlight reels, into the moments that build a career. From career-defining wins to moments of reinvention, these are the sacrifices that turn hard work into gold. Listen to Forging Gold: The Making of a Champion every other week, starting March 12th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.