Competing Through Chronic Pain | Lara Hamilton’s Olympic Story | 4TG

Living with chronic pain can change the way an athlete trains, competes and thinks about their future. In this episode, Australian Olympian Lara Hamilton shares what it is like to be an Ankylosing Spondylitis athlete while pursuing elite sport and an Olympic career. In this episode, 4TG talks with Lara Hamilton about the hidden costs of becoming an Olympian, competing in ski mountaineering, living with chronic pain and continuing to train when your body does not always cooperate. Lara shares the reality behind her Olympic journey, including the financial pressure faced by athletes in less-funded sports and the work required to build a career through multiple jobs, skills and community support. She also opens up about living with Ankylosing Spondylitis, the physical and mental impact of chronic pain, and why she continues to chase high-level competition despite the challenges. If you have ever wondered what it is really like to compete at an elite level while living with chronic pain, this conversation gives you a very honest look at the reality behind the athlete. What this episode covers: • The hidden financial costs of pursuing an Olympic dream • Lara’s journey into ski mountaineering and elite competition • What it is like to train and compete with chronic pain • Living and training with Ankylosing Spondylitis • The mental impact of managing a chronic condition as an athlete • Why some sports receive less financial support than others • How athletes can find mentors, community and brand support • Using skills outside sport to help fund an athletic career • Why Lara is still chasing another Olympic opportunity • What resilience looks like when pain becomes part of everyday life 📌 Want to build confidence that holds up when the pressure is on? The 4TG Confidence System is a 6-week self-paced course built from the lessons of elite athletes and designed for every female athlete. You’ll learn practical tools to manage pressure, quiet overthinking, reset after mistakes and build the mindset habits that help you perform with more confidence, consistency and control. ENROL NOW: https://gpozeihwelzhpruycara.app.clie... 📌 FREE 5-Minute Confidence Reset Tool for Female Athletes: Feeling overwhelmed, overthinking or stuck after a mistake? Get your free 4TG Confidence Reset Tool to help you reset your focus, regain control and choose your next useful action to perform at your best. Download it free here: https://go.4tg.com.au/4tg-confidence-... 📢 Subscribe & Join the 4TG Movement. We release new episodes every week. 📲 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE and tap the 🔔 to never miss an episode. 📌If sport was taken away tomorrow, who would you be outside of being an athlete? ⏮️ Missed the Last Episode? [   • Why Athletes Lose Confidence Under Pressur...   ] Guest Socials: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lara_hamilt... Podcast Socials: Host – https://www.instagram.com/kylie__lync... Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/4tg_podcast... Website – https://4tg.com.au/ Support 4TG – https://buymeacoffee.com/4tg_podcast Free 5 Min Pre-Game Reset – https://go.4tg.com.au/4tg-free-pre-ga... 📌 📩 Sponsorships and collabs: kylie@4tg.com.au ✨A big thank you to our partners: Snap Fitness - (https://www.snapfitness.com/au?utm_so...) Project Better - ( https://projectbetter.com.au/) #4TG #WomensSport #LaraHamilton #AnkylosingSpondylitis #ChronicPain #FemaleAthletes #Olympian #SkiMountaineering