What role does mindfulness play in the success of an athlete? Natalie Coughlin has 12 Olympic medals and 12 world titles, making her the most decorated woman swimmer in history. She talks about returning to competition after three years out of the water and how her competitiveness has helped her achieve her goals.  Additionally, Coughlin gives some great advice for swimmers and the role mindfulness plays in life and athletics. She is the author of two books: Golden Girl:  How Natalie Coughlin Fought Back, Challenged Conventional Wisdom, and Became America's Olympic Champion and Cook to Thrive cookbook She is also a vintner and co-founder of Gaderian Wines, an urban farmer, the mother of a one-year-old, a surfer & photographer. Her multifaceted life will inspire you!  You could have a 1 in 50 chance to win a Natalie Coughlin autographed U.S. Masters Swimming Swim Cap from a drawing of the next 50 Champion’s Mojo YouTube subscribers.  To learn more about Champion’s Mojo visit www.ChampionsMojo.com  Champion's Mojo is on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play and everywhere podcasts are found.  Quote of the Week "Being comfortable with being present and being purposeful in everything that you do is a really good practice that serves you well in life, and definitely serves you well in swimming." -- Natalie Coughlin More About Natalie Coughlin Natalie Coughlin is an American competition swimmer and twelve-time Olympic medalist. While attending the University of California, Berkeley, she became the first woman ever to swim the 100-meter backstroke (long course) in less than one minute. At the 2008 Summer Olympics, she became the first U.S. female athlete in modern Olympic history to win six medals in one Olympiad, and the first woman ever to win a 100-meter backstroke gold in two consecutive Olympics.  At the 2012 Summer Olympics, she earned a bronze medal in the 4×100-meter freestyle relay. Coughlin has won a total of 60 medals in major international competition. Coughlin appeared on Dancing with the Stars in 2009 and is a vintner, urban farmer, author, mother and businesswoman. Kelly and Maria’s Takeaways Maria:  Remember to stay patient and that setbacks are learning opportunities. Remember that you’re training 24/7 and that there are things you can do all the time to get better -- think of the daily struggle as positive.  Mindfulness and being present can feel uncomfortable but it’s important to lower distractions to truly enjoy life. Kelly:  Owning competitiveness and having a competitive nature --  it’s a trait of champions.  Keep options open in life. Be early to avoid feeling rushed. Episode Topics and Mentions DC Trident Professional Swim Team CWA Champion Swimmer of the Year Olympics Olympic swimming Support the show