The Olympic Dream, Motherhood, and the Courage to Begin Again — with Lauren Wilson

Send us Fan Mail Lauren Wilson on Returning to Sailing, Rebuilding After Surgery, and Chasing the Olympics as a Mom Coy Brown III sits down with Lauren Wilson, an Olympic sailing campaigner, mother of two, entrepreneur, and women’s empowerment advocate, to trace the winding path that brought her back to competitive sailing. Lauren shares how sailing shaped her identity from age seven, how life pulled her away, and how motherhood, surgery, and a strong support system helped her return with a clearer sense of purpose.This episode is about more than sport. It’s about choosing yourself, rebuilding from the inside out, and showing your kids that courage can look like starting over in your 40s. Episode insights Take the next small step. Lauren’s return began with getting back on the water—not with a grand Olympic plan. A nonlinear path can still move you forward. She sees the detours in her life as tacks, not failures. Choosing yourself isn’t necessarily selfish. Pursuing what energizes you can strengthen your relationships and family life. Rebuilding can reveal new strength. After surgery and rehab, Lauren found her body could work better than before. Let children see the process. Competing, losing, recovering, and trying again can model resilience more clearly than advice alone. Support makes ambition more possible. Her husband, mother, children, and community all play a part in making the campaign work. It’s worth trying before deciding it’s too late. Lauren’s return shows how a small opportunity can reopen a meaningful chapter. Key topics In this episode: Lauren explains how sailing started as a family activity at age seven, went from frustrating to addictive, and became a place where she felt in control. We discuss: Her rise through junior and Olympic development sailing, international competition, and the lessons in humility that come with elite sport. Lauren shares: Why she stepped away from a full Olympic path for college and a broader life, while still feeling connected to sailing. We discuss: How motherhood, grief, and a women’s race with other moms helped reignite her competitive drive. Lauren shares: Her experience with postpartum identity loss, diastasis recti, hernia surgery, and the long process of rebuilding. We discuss: How Pilates supported her physical recovery and helped her find a community. Lauren shares: The hidden costs and logistics of an Olympic campaign—and how her family helps make it possible. We discuss: What her children learn by seeing her prepare, compete, lose, and return to the water. Lauren shares: Why the water feels restorative and how she thinks about life as a nonlinear course. Timestamps 00:00 — Introducing Lauren Wilson and her return to sailing 01:51 — Growing up sailing from age seven 03:38 — Junior racing and Olympic development 04:58 — The trade-offs of elite competition as a teenager 07:47 — Stepping away for college and family 09:45 — Motherhood and the long gap from Olympic sailing 10:42 — Returning to racing after having a daughter 11:40 — A women’s race reignites the competitive spark 14:34 — When sailing first clicked 17:32 — The coach who pushed her without constant praise 21:47 — International competition and humility 24:58 — What it felt like to be away from sailing 29:14 — Diastasis recti, hernia, and preparing for surgery 31:14 — Racing in Italy and an unexpected operation 37:43 — Rebuilding strength through Pilates 43:14 — Feeling stronger and returning to racing 45:28 — Climbing back into the rankings 46:16 — Why the comeback began with a small yes 53:11 — Giving herself permission to choose herself 57:17 — Pursuing an Olympic spot despite the odds 60:29 — Her son’s first regatta and doing hard things scared 63:16 — Racing against stronger competitors 66:44 — The campaign’s logistics, fundraising, and sponsorship 74:43 — Navigating marriage, money, and ambition 79:58 — Traveling internationally with the kids 87:03 — Why the water feels like medicine 90:41 — Competing at 42 and modeling resilience 103:35 — Hearing from women and girls inspired by her story 109:59 — Sailing’s nonlinear path and learning to tack 114:27 — Reflecting on the full arc of her life and career 123:09 — What she wishes she could tell her past self 126:20 — Advice for someone who thinks their chance has passed 128:32 — Where to follow Lauren’s campaign 129:39 — Closing question: “Life is…” Resources and links Self Discovery Blueprint Coherence Diagnostic  Coherence Intake - The Life Is Podcast  Books That Build The Life St. Joseph County Public Library Events  Schedule Call with Host  Connect with Lauren Wilson Lauren's website: secondwindracing.com Lauren's Instagram: @sailingmom2la28 Lauren's other social channels: Tiktok Support her journey to LA28 Notable quotes “Life is putting yourself out there to find your limits.” “You can’t fill everyone else’s cup from an empty cup.” “If you don’t try, then you will wonder what if forever.” Support the show