Ep 5 - When Things Go Wrong

After a month-long hiatus, Aifric and Annalise return with an inspiring new episode featuring Irish 800m runner Nadia Power. 🏃‍♀️✨Nadia shares her incredible journey from climbing the ranks in athletics to earning a bronze medal at the U23 European Championships and competing at the Tokyo Olympics. Along the way, she discovered that balancing her passion for running with a job helped her thrive. This mindset led her to launch Swifter with her partner James Madden, a brand born from their passion for sport.In this episode, we talk about:Nadia's sporting story, the highs and the lowsJuggling athletics with entrepreneurshipThe hard realities of injuries Nadia’s favourite life lessons and her love for trashy TV + Diet CokeWe absolutely loved recording this episode and know you’ll enjoy listening!

In this episode, we sit down with Jack Woolley, Ireland’s first-ever Olympic taekwondo athlete, to chat about his extraordinary journey. From starting out as a six year old following his brother into taekwondo to representing Ireland on the global stage at the Tokyo and Paris Olympics, Jack shares the highs and lows of his athletic career.Jack opens up about his stint on Dancing with the Stars, where he proved his talents go far beyond the mat, and his recent engagement. Join us as Jack reflects on his career so far and what’s next as he sets his sights on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.Jacks snack of choice is a bag of Tangfastics, a great choice in our eyes!

In this knockout episode (see what we did there?!), Irish boxing legend Paddy Barnes shares how his early sparring days with his cousin helped shape the ‘wee boy’ from Belfast into one of Ireland’s greatest boxers. A triple Olympian, double Olympic medallist, double Commonwealth Champion, and European Champion, Paddy had a sensational career in the ring. Now, he continues to give back to the sport through the Team Ireland Athletes' Commission and Ulster Boxing. From the Dublin Marathon to Hyrox events, Paddy finds any excuse to unleash his fighter’s spirit or as he refers to it - his 'Aura'. And in true champion style, he reveals his secret to success—Starbars and Monster Munch for breakfast! Tune in to hear about his latest ventures and ambitions for the future. Paddy's peak snack is chocolate for breakfast and his peak recommendation is... him! It's Paddy's World and we are all just living in it. Check out Paddy on @paddy_bronze and contact him for more info on his business PaddyBox

This week, the girls sit down with rugby 7s powerhouse Lucy Mulhall. A country girl with a passion for all sports. Lucy's world was changed forever when someone suggested she try for the Olympics. Who could resist? In this episode, Lucy takes us through her remarkable journey from GAA to rugby, sharing the highs and lows along the way. She opens up about what it means to be a captain, the responsibility of leadership, and the honor of wearing the green jersey. Like many athletes, Lucy has faced her share of heartbreak, and she reflects on the emotional rollercoaster of her Olympic season. Tune in to hear how she gave everything to chase her dreams and left no stone unturned in the process.Lucy’s peak snack would be a bowl of porridge and a caramel dairy milk (it’s all about balance!) And her top recommendations are - the Podcast Chasing Excellence, My Therapist Ghosted Me and The High Performance Podcast.

In Episode 10 of Not Quite Gold, your hosts Aifric and Annalise are joined by Dr. Philip Doyle, an Olympic bronze medalist from Paris 2024, two-time Olympian, and practicing doctor from Northern Ireland. Philip opens up about his remarkable journey, from growing up in Northern Ireland thinking he might make it in hockey to discovering rowing while at university. Philip shares how he balances his medical career with the demands of elite rowing and bounced back from a disappointing Tokyo Olympics. Hear how he persevered to claim bronze in the men’s heavyweight double scull alongside teammate Daire Lynch. Join us talking to Philip about resilience, ambition, what it takes to thrive both in sport and work with a few laughs along the way.Philip's picks are Black Box Thinking by Matthew Syed, and his peak snack is a Carmelita (https://www.sainsburysmagazine.co.uk/recipes/traybakes/carmelitas) but fifteens (https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/fifteens) also get a shout out!

In this episode of Not Quite Gold, we sit down with world-class swimmer Daniel Wiffen to talk all things training, competition, and the mindset that drives him to be the best. From medal-winning performances to training alongside his twin brother Nathan, Daniel shares what it takes to compete at the highest level and how he pushes himself to try to win every single session. We also dive into his passion for elevating Irish swimming, the dedication required to push past limits, his unexpected appearance in Game of Thrones, and his deep appreciation for his parents—their work ethic and selflessness in supporting his journey from the very start. Tune in for a fascinating chat with one of swimming’s biggest stars.Daniel's inspiration are his parents and his peak snack recommendation is a good bar of white chocolate, maybe just don't have the 14 or so a week he does unless you are also swimming 10K a day!

This episode gives an incredible insight into the mind of two time Olympian and Olympic medallist, Aidan Walsh. He’s quick to credit his sister Michaela for all his success and fondly reflects on how they got started in the world of boxing. Despite his numerous accolades, Aidan has had a challenging journey. The trio chat about how an Olympic medal can change your life and sometimes it’s not all positive. Psychology is a reoccurring theme in this chat and Aidan discusses his passion for the role it plays not just in sport but outside of the ring too. Aidan’s peak recommendation is Derry Girls. Follow Aidan @aidanwalsh997 on Instagram

The girls are back with Episode 7 and are joined by the amazing Paralympic Medallist and Irish Sprinter, Orla Comerford. The trio chat through the importance of mentors in life, overcoming disappointment, building confidence and so much more. Orla is not only a fantastic athlete but also a very talented artist and expresses her gratitude for having two things that she's so passionate about in life. Orla explains how her visual impairment presented challenges and how her school days were tough. However, she was quick to add that the art room and the track was her refuge. Tune in to hear her peak and pit moments in her career so far and what snack she carries around with her at all times. Orla's peak follow recommendation: Jazmin Sawyers GB Long Jump athlete @jasminsawyers on Instagram Follow Orla @orla_comerford on Instagram

In this episode Aifric and Annalise talk about Nutrition, Technology and Physiology in their respective sports. Aifric is on a 'new year, new me' journey while Annalise is trying to juggle a new job and finding the time to exercise. These new routines make them appreciate the value of eating well and how it can make you feel good which can set you up to perform whether that's just in life or as an elite athlete. They also discuss how technology has changed the game in terms of training and racing. They debate if it's gone too far and if it's led to privileged teams having an unfair advantage while the rest of the world are trying to catch up. The girls reminisce on their physiology testing over the years and how the data helped shape their training blocks. Annalise's refers to the 'What the Fat' book series by Caryn Zinn that guided her on her 'whole foods, healthy carb and low fat' journey for the Rio Olympic Games. https://www.carynzinn.com/about-us

In episode 5, Aifric and Annalise go through times when things went wrong, from illness and injury to trips and trailers. Annalise recommends the GTCC podcast with Kirsten Faulkner https://open.spotify.com/episode/1XfLhuBSp5coAoDEUCBADS?si=YyLKnL8HS6W1am8-6gSTnw