Nike’s Dirty Secret: Olympian Kara Goucher on Doping, Abuse & Deception - The Rich Roll Podcast (Video)

In this 21 March 2024 video from The Rich Roll Podcast, the host sits down with two-time Olympian and NBC Sports track and field analyst Kara Goucher to talk about the Nike Oregon Project scandal, the mistreatment of pregnant athletes by sponsors, her identity beyond athletics, and more.

https://youtu.be/do4uhuW3B30

TIMESTAMPS

00:00:00 Intro
00:01:49 The Nervousness Of Book Release
00:03:52 Taking Responsibility For Sharing The Truth
00:05:24 Encountering Nike Executives And Seeking Acknowledgment
00:07:41 The Non-Linear Trajectory Of Kara’s Career
00:10:23 Belief In Oneself And Persistence
00:14:09 Challenges Of Retirement And Rewriting The Ending
00:15:08 The Vaporfly Controversy
00:16:44 Joining The Nike Oregon Project
00:20:56 Early Signs Of Discomfort
00:22:45 Compartmentalization And Trauma
00:27:37 Adam Goucher’s Departure
00:29:28 Gifts And Training
00:29:59 Sponsor Break
00:31:06 Alberto’s Behavior
00:32:23 Therapist Betrayal
00:33:56 Conflict Of Interest
00:35:15 Strained Relationships
00:36:50 Weight Pressure
00:38:21 Hypothyroidism And Medication
00:41:50 Blowing The Whistle
00:46:41 Challenges Of Speaking Up
00:47:28 Facing Career Taint
00:49:15 Suspicious Training Intensity
00:50:18 Alberto’s Controlling Behavior
00:50:58 Fear Of Speaking Out
00:53:04 Decision To Speak Out
00:55:24 Emotional Impact Of Speaking Out
00:57:07 Protecting Kindness Amidst Hardship
00:58:19 Running As A Love Story
00:59:22 Voicing Change Media
01:00:49 Legacy And Advocacy
01:02:20 Cleanliness In Sports
01:03:30 Perception Of Progress
01:05:31 Doping In Sports
01:09:09 Nike’s Involvement
01:12:20 Elite Running Contracts
01:14:13 Pregnancy And Nike Contract
01:15:39 Legal Battle With Nike
01:19:48 Impact And Change
01:23:31 Athlete-Brand Relationship
01:24:55 Influencer Vs. High Performer
01:28:15 Nike’s Influence In Sports
01:29:03 Ethical Consumerism
01:29:54 Nike’s Responsibility
01:30:38 Runner’s Dystonia
01:35:38 Challenges Of Runner’s Dystonia
01:38:39 Transitioning From Competitive Career
01:40:33 Struggling With Identity
01:41:01 Balancing Life And Sport
01:46:07 Embracing Aging And Setting New Goals
01:47:42 The Future Of American Women Marathon Runners
01:50:35 Guidance For Athletes In Unhealthy Environments
01:54:52 Testifying To Congress
01:56:34 Credits