S2 Ep4: Anastasia Pagonis on defying expectations

The world of intellectual impairments is explored in the latest episode of A Winning Mindset with British Paralympic swimmer, Jessica-Jane Applegate. In the final episode of this second series, Jessica-Jane discussed her journey with an intellectual impairment. From struggling at school to being diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, the athlete from Great Britain has a message around treating people fairly that needs to be heard by all. “You can achieve anything your mind wants, because if you believe that you can, you can do it.” The Paralympian also discusses her medal success at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games and how life living by the sea prepared her for a career in the water. A Winning Mindset, an award-winning partnership between the International Paralympic Committee and Allianz, is a fascinating journey into the minds of Paralympians, who share experiences that can benefit your own personal and professional life.  WINNER OF BEST BRANDED PODCAST AT THE 2021 WEBBY AWARDS WINNER OF BEST PODCAST AT 2021 DIGIDAY MEDIA EUROPE AWARDS WINNER OF BEST SPORT PODCAST AT 2021 SPORT INDUSTRY AWARDS  Episodes go beyond Paralympic stories by covering a range of educational, mental health and self-improvement themes. Athletes also tackle subjects that are close to their hearts and of interest to fans. Issues explored include finding purpose, wellbeing, motivation, changing attitudes, overcoming failure, support systems, resilience, positivity, diversity and inclusion, body confidence and many more.  Allianz is a long-standing partner of the International Paralympic Committee. Together, we bring you this series of podcasts. We will introduce you to stories with Paralympians that will spark confidence in your everyday life. Stories of challenges, ups and downs, determination, and excellence. Stories that demonstrate the true power of having the right team behind you. And prepare you for what’s ahead.  The Paralympic podcast series is presented by British broadcaster Andy Stevenson, who has reported on the Paralympic Games since 2012 for BBC and Channel 4. Featured athletes include Tatyana McFadden, Millie Knight and Marcel Hug. Make sure you subscribe to hear future episodes.

Sebastian Magenheim, the German wheelchair basketball sensation, takes time away from his new career with Allianz to discuss the importance of being able to adapt to changing roles in life.  Magenheim, who took to the court at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, expresses how his sporting career has prepared him for his current position with Allianz, the Paralympic Insurance Partner who partner with the IPC on A Winning Mindset.  “Sports gave me a really good idea of what I'm capable to do. And this is something I also take to the office. I really appreciate what I have, where I am and I'm looking forward to doing even better and greater things.” Themes for this episode including: Making a change in life, decision making, adapting to new challenges, personal management and support systems. A Winning Mindset, an award-winning partnership between the International Paralympic Committee and Allianz, is a fascinating journey into the minds of Paralympians, who share experiences that can benefit your own personal and professional life.  WINNER OF BEST BRANDED PODCAST AT THE 2021 WEBBY AWARDS WINNER OF BEST PODCAST AT 2021 DIGIDAY MEDIA EUROPE AWARDS WINNER OF BEST SPORT PODCAST AT 2021 SPORT INDUSTRY AWARDS  Episodes go beyond Paralympic stories by covering a range of educational, mental health and self-improvement themes. Athletes also tackle subjects that are close to their hearts and of interest to fans. Issues explored include finding purpose, wellbeing, motivation, changing attitudes, overcoming failure, support systems, resilience, positivity, diversity and inclusion, body confidence and many more.  Allianz is a long-standing partner of the International Paralympic Committee. Together, we bring you this series of podcasts. We will introduce you to stories with Paralympians that will spark confidence in your everyday life. Stories of challenges, ups and downs, determination, and excellence. Stories that demonstrate the true power of having the right team behind you. And prepare you for what’s ahead.  The Paralympic podcast series is presented by British broadcaster Andy Stevenson, who has reported on the Paralympic Games since 2012 for BBC and Channel 4. Featured athletes include Tatyana McFadden, Millie Knight and Marcel Hug. Make sure you subscribe to hear upcoming episodes!

It’s A Winning Mindset first as we are joined by Canadian husband-and-wife duo Billy Bridges and Sami Jo Small to discuss how teamwork and how they support one another to achieve their goals.  Billy (a Paralympian) and Sami (an Olympian) tell the stories of what makes their relationship so strong and explore the need for everyone to have a support group they can rely on in life.  The duo discuss the teamwork in life which brings the best out of each other, analysing why it is important to them and the skills we can all apply to our daily lives.  A Winning Mindset, an award-winning partnership between the International Paralympic Committee and Allianz, is a fascinating journey into the minds of Paralympians, who share experiences that can benefit your own personal and professional life.  WINNER OF BEST BRANDED PODCAST AT THE 2021 WEBBY AWARDS WINNER OF BEST PODCAST AT 2021 DIGIDAY MEDIA EUROPE AWARDS WINNER OF BEST SPORT PODCAST AT 2021 SPORT INDUSTRY AWARDS  Episodes go beyond Paralympic stories by covering a range of educational, mental health and self- improvement themes. Athletes also tackle subjects that are close to their hearts and of interest to fans. Issues explored include finding purpose, wellbeing, motivation, changing attitudes, overcoming failure, support systems, resilience, positivity, diversity and inclusion, body confidence and many more.  Allianz is a long-standing partner of the International Paralympic Committee. Together, we bring you this series of podcasts. We will introduce you to stories with Paralympians that will spark confidence in your everyday life. Stories of challenges, ups and downs, determination, and excellence. Stories that demonstrate the true power of having the right team behind you. And prepare you for what’s ahead.  The Paralympic podcast series is presented by British broadcaster Andy Stevenson, who has reported on the Paralympic Games since 2012 for BBC and Channel 4.  Featured athletes include Tatyana McFadden, Millie Knight and Marcel Hug. Make sure you subscribe to hear upcoming episodes from athletes including Sebastian Magenheim and Jessica Jane Applegate. 

German vision impaired skier and biathlete Clara Klug delves into the mental side of her life and explains how the people around her have helped to make her the strong, independent and confident person she is today.  Klug, who will compete at the 2022 Winter Paralympics, is joined by sister Pia to analyse the tricks and techniques she has to get the best out of every single day. Clara speaks about her outlook on life with her sister Pia, who supports her both in and out of sport. But Pia isn’t alone, as Clara discusses how ‘A dentist treats you before something happens, but not the psychologist. Why?’  A must-listen for those looking to build and improve their mental strength and wellbeing.  A Winning Mindset, an award-winning partnership between the International Paralympic Committee and Allianz, is a fascinating journey into the minds of Paralympians, who share experiences that can benefit your own personal and professional life.  WINNER OF BEST BRANDED PODCAST AT THE 2021 WEBBY AWARDS WINNER OF BEST PODCAST AT 2021 DIGIDAY MEDIA EUROPE AWARDS WINNER OF BEST SPORT PODCAST AT 2021 SPORT INDUSTRY AWARDS  Episodes go beyond Paralympic stories by covering a range of educational, mental health and self- improvement themes. Athletes also tackle subjects that are close to their hearts and of interest to fans. Issues explored include finding purpose, wellbeing, motivation, changing attitudes, overcoming failure, support systems, resilience, positivity, diversity and inclusion, body confidence and many more.  Allianz is a long-standing partner of the International Paralympic Committee. Together, we bring you this series of podcasts. We will introduce you to stories with Paralympians that will spark confidence in your everyday life. Stories of challenges, ups and downs, determination, and excellence. Stories that demonstrate the true power of having the right team behind you. And prepare you for what’s ahead.  The Paralympic podcast series is presented by British broadcaster Andy Stevenson, who has reported on the Paralympic Games since 2012 for BBC and Channel 4.  Featured athletes include Tatyana McFadden, Millie Knight and Marcel Hug. Make sure you subscribe to hear upcoming episodes from athletes including Billy Bridges and Jessica Jane Applegate. 

USA athlete Jaleen Roberts speaks honestly, openly and emotionally about life with bipolar disorder as part of the latest episode of A Winning Mindset.  Roberts, a Team USA medallist at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, talks candidly about her journey with mental health and how the decision to check herself into a facility helped to understand herself better on her journey in life and in sport.  In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Jaleen provides a deep insight into what bipolar disorder is, the symptoms which led to her taking charge of her mindset and the misconceptions still apparent when it comes to mental health.  A Winning Mindset, an award-winning partnership between the International Paralympic Committee and Allianz, is a fascinating journey into the minds of Paralympians, who share experiences that can benefit your own personal and professional life. WINNER OF BEST BRANDED PODCAST AT THE 2021 WEBBY AWARDS WINNER OF BEST PODCAST AT 2021 DIGIDAY MEDIA EUROPE AWARDS WINNER OF BEST SPORT PODCAST AT 2021 SPORT INDUSTRY AWARDS  Episodes go beyond Paralympic stories by covering a range of educational, mental health and self- improvement themes. Athletes also tackle subjects that are close to their hearts and of interest to fans. Issues explored include finding purpose, wellbeing, motivation, changing attitudes, overcoming failure, support systems, resilience, positivity, diversity and inclusion, body confidence and many more.  Allianz is a long-standing partner of the International Paralympic Committee. Together, we bring you this series of podcasts. We will introduce you to stories with Paralympians that will spark confidence in your everyday life. Stories of challenges, ups and downs, determination, and excellence. Stories that demonstrate the true power of having the right team behind you. And prepare you for what’s ahead.  The Paralympic podcast series is presented by British broadcaster Andy Stevenson, who has reported on the Paralympic Games since 2012 for BBC and Channel 4.  Featured athletes include Tatyana McFadden, Millie Knight and Marcel Hug. Make sure you subscribe to hear upcoming episodes from athletes including Billy Bridges and Clara Klug. 

Sumit Antil, the Indian gold-medal winning javelin thrower, speaks from the heart about the world of disability and how he found his purpose in life, in the latest episode of A Winning Mindset.  Given a hero’s welcome after victory at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, Sumit is focused on disability representation across India. Alongside his best friend Mohit, this episode talks about how the world has meaning for him and why Sumit wants to be at the heart of global change.  Sumit and Mohit talk in depth about their personal relationship and how through each other, they have been able to find their true purpose in life.  A Winning Mindset, an award-winning partnership between the International Paralympic Committee and Allianz, is a fascinating journey into the minds of Paralympians, who share experiences that can benefit your own personal and professional life. WINNER OF BEST BRANDED PODCAST AT THE 2021 WEBBY AWARDS WINNER OF BEST PODCAST AT 2021 DIGIDAY MEDIA EUROPE AWARDS WINNER OF BEST SPORT PODCAST AT 2021 SPORT INDUSTRY AWARDS  Episodes go beyond Paralympic stories by covering a range of educational, mental health and self- improvement themes. Athletes also tackle subjects that are close to their hearts and of interest to fans. Issues explored include finding purpose, wellbeing, motivation, changing attitudes, overcoming failure, support systems, resilience, positivity, diversity and inclusion, body confidence and many more.  Allianz is a long-standing partner of the International Paralympic Committee. Together, we bring you this series of podcasts. We will introduce you to stories with Paralympians that will spark confidence in your everyday life. Stories of challenges, ups and downs, determination, and excellence. Stories that demonstrate the true power of having the right team behind you. And prepare you for what’s ahead.  The Paralympic podcast series is presented by British broadcaster Andy Stevenson, who has reported on the Paralympic Games since 2012 for BBC and Channel 4.  Featured athletes include Tatyana McFadden, Millie Knight and Marcel Hug. Make sure you subscribe to hear upcoming episodes from athletes including Jaleen Roberts and Clara Klug. 

TikTok sensation and Paralympic gold medallist Anastasia Pagonis joins A Winning Mindset for a fun-filled chat on all things success and defying expectations.  Pagonis, who has built over a million followers across social media, made her medal- winning debut at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, but it is away from the swimming pool that she continues to break barriers. A global role model for persons with a visual impairment, the US swimmer brings her joyous attitude to offer words of wisdom for others.  Listen to this episode to take inspiration from Anastasia and to understand how the actions of others – in her case her coach – can open opportunities in life that you never expected.  A Winning Mindset, an award-winning partnership between the International Paralympic Committee and Allianz, is a fascinating journey into the minds of Paralympians, who share experiences that can benefit your own personal and professional life.  WINNER OF BEST BRANDED PODCAST AT THE 2021 WEBBY AWARDS WINNER OF BEST PODCAST AT 2021 DIGIDAY MEDIA EUROPE AWARDS WINNER OF BEST SPORT PODCAST AT 2021 SPORT INDUSTRY AWARDS  Episodes go beyond Paralympic stories by covering a range of educational, mental health and self- improvement themes. Athletes also tackle subjects that are close to their hearts and of interest to fans. Issues explored include finding purpose, wellbeing, motivation, changing attitudes, overcoming failure, support systems, resilience, positivity, diversity and inclusion, body confidence and many more.  Allianz is a long-standing partner of the International Paralympic Committee. Together, we bring you this series of podcasts. We will introduce you to stories with Paralympians that will spark confidence in your everyday life. Stories of challenges, ups and downs, determination, and excellence. Stories that demonstrate the true power of having the right team behind you. And prepare you for what’s ahead.  The Paralympic podcast series is presented by British broadcaster Andy Stevenson, who has reported on the Paralympic Games since 2012 for BBC and Channel 4.  Featured athletes include Tatyana McFadden, Millie Knight and Arly Velasquez. Make sure you subscribe to hear upcoming episodes from athletes including Sumit Antil and Jaleen Roberts. 

It’s time to get motivated by a true great. ‘Silver Bullet’ Marcel Hug takes time from his extraordinary 2021 to discuss the theme of motivation and how it leads to his perfection on and off the track.  The multiple-time Paralympic gold medallist spoke to Andy Stevenson following his victory at the New York Marathon, opening up on what keeps him motivated and how his coach Paul Odermatt’s encouragement continually gets the best out of a man at the very top of the sporting ladder.  By listening to Hug’s episode, you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about how motivation and motivational thoughts come directly from loving what you do in life. This inspirational 30 minutes with a Paralympic Games great is one not to miss.  A Winning Mindset, an award-winning partnership between the International Paralympic Committee and Allianz, is a fascinating journey into the minds of Paralympians, who share experiences that can benefit your own personal and professional life.  WINNER OF BEST BRANDED PODCAST AT THE 2021 WEBBY AWARDS WINNER OF BEST PODCAST AT 2021 DIGIDAY MEDIA EUROPE AWARDS WINNER OF BEST SPORT PODCAST AT 2021 SPORT INDUSTRY AWARDS  Episodes go beyond Paralympic stories by covering a range of educational, mental health and self- improvement themes. Athletes also tackle subjects that are close to their hearts and of interest to fans. Issues explored include finding purpose, wellbeing, motivation, changing attitudes, overcoming failure, support systems, resilience, positivity, diversity and inclusion, body confidence and many more.  Allianz is a long-standing partner of the International Paralympic Committee. Together, we bring you this series of podcasts. We will introduce you to stories with Paralympians that will spark confidence in your everyday life. Stories of challenges, ups and downs, determination, and excellence. Stories that demonstrate the true power of having the right team behind you. And prepare you for what’s ahead.  The Paralympic podcast series is presented by British broadcaster Andy Stevenson, who has reported on the Paralympic Games since 2012 for BBC and Channel 4.  Featured athletes include Tatyana McFadden, Millie Knight and Arly Velasquez. Make sure you subscribe to hear upcoming episodes from athletes including Sumit Antil and Anastasia Pagonis. 

Hannah Macdougall, the Australian Para Swimming and cycling great, provides her expertise on how we can all maintain our wellbeing in our everyday lives. Macdougall, a medallist at the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games, has studied a PhD in the subject and discusses the importance of focusing on personal wellbeing as part of a healthy and happy lifestyle, offering practical tips to listeners. Additionally, Macdougall talks openly with her coach about what everybody can do to maximise their own time and happiness. If you are looking for tips to improve your own wellbeing, this is a must listen. A Winning Mindset, an award-winning partnership between the International Paralympic Committee and Allianz, is a fascinating journey into the minds of Paralympians, who share experiences that can benefit your own personal and professional life.    WINNER OF BEST BRANDED PODCAST AT THE 2021 WEBBY AWARDS WINNER OF BEST PODCAST AT 2021 DIGIDAY MEDIA EUROPE AWARDS WINNER OF BEST SPORT PODCAST AT 2021 SPORT INDUSTRY AWARDS    Episodes go beyond Paralympic stories by covering a range of educational, mental health and self-improvement themes.  Athletes also tackle subjects that are close to their hearts and of interest to fans. Issues explored include finding purpose, wellbeing, motivation, changing attitudes, overcoming failure, support systems, resilience, positivity, diversity and inclusion, body confidence and many more.   Allianz is a long-standing partner of the International Paralympic Committee. Together, we bring you this series of podcasts. We will introduce you to stories with Paralympians that will spark confidence in your everyday life. Stories of challenges, ups and downs, determination, and excellence. Stories that demonstrate the true power of having the right team behind you. And prepare you for what’s ahead.     The Paralympic podcast series is presented by British broadcaster Andy Stevenson, who has reported on the Paralympic Games since 2012 for BBC and Channel 4.    Featured athletes include Tatyana McFadden, Millie Knight and Arly Velasquez. Make sure you subscribe to hear upcoming episodes from athletes including Marcel Hug and Anastasia Pagonis.

Millie Knight is first on the mic to discuss how having a support group in place is vital for anyone to succeed in life. Great Britain’s Millie Knight is a multiple-time Paralympic medallist in alpine skiing, taking to the slopes with her guide and friend, Brett Wild. Knight, who is visually impaired, speaks openly about the role Brett and many more play in her life, as well as a frank discussion on how she recovers from harrowing moments. A Winning Mindset, an award-winning partnership between the International Paralympic Committee and Allianz, is a fascinating journey into the minds of Paralympians, with experiences that can benefit your own personal and professional life.     The official podcast of the Paralympic Games provides a platform for Para athletes to talk about their empowering and inspirational stories and allows each athlete to showcase their true personalities.  WINNER OF BEST BRANDED PODCAST AT THE 2021 WEBBY AWARDS WINNER OF BEST PODCAST AT 2021 DIGIDAY MEDIA EUROPE AWARDS WINNER OF BEST SPORT PODCAST AT 2021 SPORT INDUSTRY AWARDS    Episodes go beyond Paralympic stories by covering a range of educational, mental health and self-improvement themes.  Athletes also tackle subjects that are close to their hearts and of interest to fans. Issues explored include finding purpose, wellbeing, motivation, changing attitudes, overcoming failure, support systems, resilience, positivity, diversity and inclusion, body confidence and many more.   Allianz is a long-standing partner of the International Paralympic Committee. Together, we bring you this series of podcasts. We will introduce you to stories with Paralympians that will spark confidence in your everyday life. Stories of challenges, ups and downs, determination, and excellence. Stories that demonstrate the true power of having the right team behind you. And prepare you for what’s ahead.    The Paralympic podcast series is presented by British broadcaster Andy Stevenson, who has reported on the Paralympic Games since 2012 for BBC and Channel 4.    Featured athletes include Tatyana McFadden, Jonnie Peacock and Arly Velasquez. Make sure you subscribe to hear upcoming episodes from athletes including Marcel Hug and Anastasia Pagonis.