What does it really take to perform at the highest level, and why do so many high achievers still feel they haven't done enough?
In this episode of Performance People, Georgie Ainslie is joined by three-time Olympian, European champion and ROAR Fitness founder Sarah Lindsay for a conversation about the psychology of performance, resilience and confidence.
Sarah reflects on the mindset that took her to three Olympic Games, why she spent years believing she'd failed, and how a life-changing conversation with her mother transformed the way she approached competition forever.
The conversation also explores why strength training matters more than most people realise, the role of recovery and sleep in long-term performance, the dangers of chasing shortcuts, and why confidence is built by proving difficult things to yourself.
FAQs
Who is Sarah Lindsay?Sarah Lindsay is a three-time Olympian, ten-time British speed skating champion, European champion and founder of ROAR Fitness.
What is ROAR Fitness?ROAR Fitness is one of London's leading personal training businesses, specialising in strength training, body transformation and long-term health.
Why did Sarah Lindsay feel like a failure despite competing at three Olympics?Sarah explains how elite athletes often judge themselves solely on winning medals, making it difficult to recognise extraordinary achievements.
What changed Sarah Lindsay's mindset?Her mother's cancer diagnosis before her first Olympics gave every training session a deeper purpose and transformed her commitment to performance.
Why does Sarah Lindsay believe strength training is so important?She argues that building muscle is one of the biggest predictors of healthy ageing, confidence and long-term physical capability.
What does Sarah say about confidence?Confidence isn't something you're born with—it's earned by repeatedly proving to yourself that you can do difficult things.
What role does recovery play in performance?Sarah believes sleep, recovery and consistency are just as important as training if you want to improve.
What does Sarah think about motivation?She believes motivation comes and goes. Building habits and sticking to a plan is what creates lasting results.
Who is this episode for?Anyone interested in performance, resilience, psychology, fitness, longevity, leadership or personal development.
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The Performance People podcast, in partnership with J.P. Morgan Private Bank, talks to high-performers in the world of sport and beyond, to bring defining moments, hard-earned insights and expert advice to everyday performance. New episodes every Tuesday.
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ainslie + ainslie NIGHT POWDER, winner of Best Sleep Supplement in the GQ Sleep Awards 2025.
We love performance, which is why we’ve launched ainslie + ainslie – the first supplement brand to be developed inside elite sport. Now available for everyone. Find out more at www.ainslieainslie.com
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The views and opinions expressed on Performance People are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the views of ainslie + ainslie, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, or any affiliated organisations.
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