Journey to the Olympics: Navigating Performance Anxiety and Inspiring Future Athletes with Carissa Gordon Gump
- Totten Training Systems
- Aug 15
- 2 min read
In this episode of Totten Talks, Leo and Cait sit down with special guest Carissa Gordon Gump. Carissa is an Olympian, longtime friend, and a major presence in the world of weightlifting and strength and conditioning. Carissa shares her journey from starting weightlifting at age 12 to representing Team USA at the 2008 Olympic Games, and her ongoing impact within the sport.
Carissa dives into her early days, her time at the Olympic Training Center, and her transitions into leadership and coaching roles. The group also talks openly about mental struggles, such as imposter syndrome and performance anxiety, highlighting how even elite athletes face real challenges.
In this episode, Leo, Cait, and Carissa chat about:
Carissa’s introduction to weightlifting and her journey from Vermont to the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs
The history and growth of women’s weightlifting in the U.S., including the first women’s Olympic events and contributions from trailblazers
The importance of community, mentorship, and representation in sports
Mental battles like imposter syndrome and performance anxiety, and how Carissa learned to cope
Her Olympic experience, the emotions of making the team, and what comes after that high
Ongoing roles in the National Strength and Conditioning Association, her passion for giving back, and plans for the future
The value of physical health, movement, and staying active for lifelong well-being
It’s an inspiring, honest conversation with valuable insights for athletes, coaches, and anyone passionate about sport!
About Carissa Gordon Gump:
Carissa Gordon Gump has previously worked for the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee and USA Weightlifting, serving as their Associate Executive Director for Business & Development as well as the USA Weightlifting Foundation Executive Director. Gump is a 2008 Olympian in the sport of weightlifting, an American Record holder, National Champion, Pan American Champion, All-American, World Team member and USA Weightlifting & New England Weightlifting Hall of Fame member. Carissa holds an B.S. in Business with an Emphasis in Sport Management from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, an M.P.A. in Non-Profit Management from Keller Graduate School of Management, and is pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration with an emphasis in Non-Profit Management and Leadership from Liberty University.
Follow Totten Training on social media: @tottentraining
Comments