Podcast 349: How 3x Olympic Gold Medalist Aly Raisman is Redefining Recovery and Resilience 


WHOOP Founder and CEO, Will Ahmed, sits down with 3x Olympic Gold Medalist, Aly Raisman to discuss the ins and outs of Aly’s gymnastics career.

Aly opens up about her experience training, the intense pressures of elite competition, and how it all took a toll on her body. From her experience with burnout and anxiety, Aly shares the lessons she’s learned about recovery and taking care of her body and mind. Will and Aly go through Aly’s top WHOOP journal behaviors that help her feel recovered, such as gardening, learning, and time spent with loved ones.

Episode Chapters

00:54 - Aly Raisman on growing up in Boston

02:10 - Aly’s introduction to gymnastics

03:14 - Choosing gymnastics at a young age: training and technique

05:23 - Drive as the fuel for greatness

07:29 - Building a support system and navigating perfectionism

11:20 - Self-motivation and pushing yourself to be the best

14:28 - Healthy vs. unhealthy aspects of being an Olympic athlete

20:31 - Recovery in Olympic-level sport

27:12 - Nutrition and body image in elite gymnastics

34:47 - How Aly is redefining recovery

42:57 - Mental health advocacy and awareness

47:41 - Aly’s toolkit to protecting mental health and growing from experience

50:18 - Finding purpose and fulfillment

56:42 - Sleep metrics and habits to help recover

01:01:29 - How Aly uses WHOOP: The mental and physical health benefits