Show Notes
In this week's episode, Robyn and James are joined by Connie Carpenter Phinney, who is 1984 became the first ever Olympic Women's Road Race gold medal winner. Connie charts her career from 14 year-old winter Olympic speed skater to champion road cyclist, a sporting career which saw her win multiple national titles and dominate races such as the Coors Classic.
Married to fellow American cyclist Davis Phinney, mother to ex-pro Taylor Phinney and mother-in-law to reigning Tour de France Femmes champ, Kasia Niewiadoma (Taylor's wife), though Connie has long since retired she's still very close to cycling, and here contrasts her experiences competing in 1980s with life on two wheels now, from her near non-existent racing budget to building her own wheels, burning out after the Olympics and watching her son race, including witnessing the horror crash that nearly cost him his life.
An irrepressible spirit, Connie has no sporting regrets, and today puts her energy into the charity she founded after husband Davis was diagnosed with young onset Parkinson's. The Davis Phinney Foundation aims to raise awareness, money, and crucially to provide support and resources to those living with, and caring for, people with Parkinson's. Read more about the Davis Phinney Foundation here.
Interview begins at 11.46
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