Rising Above with Olympic Gold Medal Volleyball Player Jon Root

Pursuit of Gold with Laura Wilkinson

This week, Laura introduces us to the remarkable Jon Root, a volleyball luminary whose journey to success defied expectations at every turn. From an unforeseen introduction to volleyball in West Los Angeles to clinching prestigious All-American accolades at Stanford University to achieving Olympic and international glory, Jon's trajectory epitomizes the indomitable spirit of passion and perseverance in the sporting realm. Through Laura's engaging dialogue with Jon, listeners are immersed not only in Jon’s many spectacular achievements but also in the intricacies of athletes' transitions beyond the competitive sphere, delving into themes of identity, purpose, and personal growth post-athletics.

From his storied collegiate career at Stanford University, where he navigated the rigorous demands of both academics and athletics with aplomb, to his triumphant representation of the United States on the international volleyball stage, Jon's journey is a testament to unwavering determination and dedication. As he candidly shares his experiences, Jon unveils the myriad challenges athletes encounter upon bidding farewell to professional sports, emphasizing the paramount importance of self-discovery, resilience, and adaptability in charting a course through the uncharted waters of post-athletic life. Through their illuminating discourse, Laura and Jon offer invaluable insights and inspiration, urging athletes, coaches, and sports enthusiasts to embrace change, forge supportive networks, and leave an enduring legacy that transcends the boundaries of the sporting arena. This episode stands as yet another poignant reminder of the transformative power of sports, guiding listeners on a journey of empowerment and self-discovery as they endeavor to realize their fullest potential, both on and off the field.

Episode Highlights:

• Jon's unexpected journey from baseball to volleyball
• The challenges of California's volleyball scene
• Jon’s Stanford University choice
• His reflections on his Stanford Athletics Hall of Fame induction
• The intense training leading to the 1988 Seoul Olympics
• Winning a gold medal and post-competition challenges
• Jon's personal transformation
• Coaching impact, personal growth, seeking support, and leaving a lasting legacy

Quotes:

"Sports kind of saved me from myself."

"I was a good mess, but I was kind of a mess."

"There's more to this than just the bread and butter."

"You're allowed to have your own journey, and that's what makes it beautiful."

"I think I was just so lost in the humility and the kind of what just happened."

"If you're good at performance but you're not great at change, can you look at change in a different way? In changing, we do perform. In performing, we do change. It's inherently part of the walnut."

"You're going to have to get out there and try a couple of things. The first thing may not be the only thing, and it may not be the best thing."

"We need to let athletes know that we are more than just athletes. There's so much more involved in our stories and in who we are as people."

Links:

• The Pursuit of Gold Website
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