A passionate strength & conditioning coach, rugby coach and businessman sits down for conversations with elite athletes and coaches on all things performance-related. From sport science, athletic development to mental health, this podcast attempts to give the listener all of the tools to take their performance to the next level. FOLLOW Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/peteyperformance/?hl=en) Twitter (https://twitter.com/peteyperform9) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/petey-performance)
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episode 86: Resilience, Relationships & Retirement Due to Injury with Conor O'Brien - Petey Performance Podcast #86
This episode is with former Leinster rugby player, Conor O’Brien.
Conor was unfortunately forced to retire last season due to recurring injuries.
We went into detail on the trials and tribulations involved in being a Leinster rugby player on the peripheries of the favoured playing squad. Conor spoke candidly about dealing with injuries and his own personal growth as a result of going through those tough times.
We talked about his recent move to the business industry and the many transferable skills that he's brought with him from professional sport.
We discussed freedom on the field of play and outside of a sporting environment, the highs and lows of pro-sport, as well as the decision-making process that led him to pick rugby over GAA in his youth.
Conor spoke of the relationships he developed during his time at Leinster rugby with both the performance staff and his teammates. And we also delved deep into his personal identity as an athlete and the profound levels of self-awareness and acceptance of his present that Conor now holds.
Time stamps:
7:50 - Freedom within and outside of sport
13:25 - Breaking into the 25
18:50 - Going off a play-sheet
24:10 - Understanding the play for the whole team
29:10 - Conor’s transfer over to the business world
33:20 - Self-awareness
37:50 - Acceptance in a recurring injury
42:40 - Resilience gained from injury
45:40 - Advice to people dealing with a long term injury
53:20 - His relationship with his physio
59:45 - Conor’s experience playing GAA