Concussions, Competition, Courage with Haley Batten | EP7

In this episode of What's the Rusch, host Rebecca Rusch sits down with Haley Batten, a world-class mountain biker and Olympic silver medalist, to explore the delicate balance between competition, joy, and resilience. Haley shares her journey from a teenage prodigy in mountain biking to navigating the highest levels of the sport while facing personal challenges, including multiple concussions that tested her patience, mindset, and ability to slow down. Together, Rebecca and Haley dive into the importance of community, the evolving culture of women’s sports, and how adversity can lead to unexpected personal growth.Haley’s story highlights the evolving culture of Women’s Sports, where fierce competition and genuine camaraderie coexist at the highest levels of racing. However, her journey hasn’t been without challenges—her battle with multiple concussions forced her to shift from pushing through pain to truly listening to her body. Through mindfulness, meditation, and journaling, she found resilience and growth, redefining success beyond podiums. As she continues to race at the elite level, Haley’s passion for education and cognitive psychology fuels her mission to inspire the next generation—on and off the bike. This conversation goes beyond racing, offering insights into finding strength in stillness, embracing setbacks, and redefining success.Transformative Insights:Genuine friendships among female competitors are shaping the future of the sport.Forced rest periods and slowing down due to injury became Haley’s biggest teachers.Lessons in self-trust come from realizing the importance of prioritizing long-term well-being.Vulnerable Moments:Haley opens up about the fear of losing her career due to repeated concussions.She shares the mental fog and frustration of long recovery periods.Rebecca and Haley discuss the hidden pressures of elite competition and the battle between ambition and acceptance.Haley reflects on stepping off a race course mid-race—a defining moment in her journey to put health first.Practical Wisdom:How to recognize and manage concussions - identifying key signs and best recovery practices for athletes.Meditation, journaling, and visualization are game-changing tools for mindfulness in high performance. Building a strong support system of coaches, family, and mentors is key  in both recovery and success.Personal Growth:Haley’s evolution from pushing through at all costs to prioritizing longevity in sport and life.Learning to trust her instincts and make bold decisions, even in high-stakes moments.The realization that being present with loved ones is just as important as podium finishes.Links:Haley’s Concussion Awareness & Return to Play GuidelinesBrainstorm Podcast Series by Rebecca Rusch & Selene YeagerOutdoor Athlete Concussion Lounge VideoConnect with Haley Batten – Instagram | WebsiteSupport What's the Rusch: Love the show? Write us a review!Connect with Rebecca Rusch

Om Podcasten

What’s the Rusch is a podcast about finding stillness and shedding the armor we wear to reveal the masterpiece within. Hosted by Rebecca Rusch—a seven-time world champion, Hall of Fame athlete, celebrated endurance icon, Emmy winner, and founder of the Athlete Operating System—the show takes listeners on a transformative journey with some of the world’s most accomplished individuals. Known as the "Queen of Pain" for her unmatched grit, Rebecca shifts the spotlight to a deeper truth: the most profound growth often comes not from what we achieve, but from what we let go of.    Inspired by Michelangelo’s insight in creating the statue of David by chiseling away everything that wasn’t David, Rebecca champions the art of shedding: shedding fear, baggage, and the armor we build to protect ourselves. Each episode delves behind the scenes of high achievers, exploring what they’ve had to lose to become whole. What identities have they outgrown? What vulnerabilities have unlocked their greatest triumphs? And what lessons can we take from their private battles to shed what no longer serves us?   With conversations navigating ancient wisdom, modern science, and personal revelation, What’s the Rusch redefines the boxes we’re put in, revealing the hidden versions of who people are and the powerful truths they carry. Rebecca’s own path—marked by extreme challenges and moments of vulnerability—sets the tone for uncovering the humanity behind the headlines.   This is more than a podcast—it’s an explorer’s guide to becoming your own masterpiece by pausing and removing everything that isn’t you. Through the stories of leaders you know and the truths you don’t, What’s the Rusch invites you to embrace the courage to shed your armor, redefine your identity, and navigate your own extraordinary and adventurous path.