Performance People

Richard Whitehead MBE has spent much of his life challenging other people’s expectations of what a disabled person can achieve.
Born with a disability affecting both legs and told growing up that even walking would be a challenge, Richard didn’t begin his running journey until adulthood. In 2004 he entered the New York Marathon despite never having raced before, training at night on the streets of Nottingham with sports cups fitted over his stumps. It became the starting point for an extraordinary career.
In this conversation with Georgie Ainslie, Richard explains how he went from marathon runner to elite sprinter, why being told he was too old and didn’t have a place in the British team only strengthened his resolve, and what went through his mind before delivering the performance of his life at London 2012.
But Richard is equally candid about what success hasn’t changed. He discusses the discrimination and lack of opportunity disabled people still face, why Paralympians remain underrepresented in the media, and why he refuses to let either his disability or his medals define him.
Now 50, Richard is still competing, still pushing his own limits and using the Richard Whitehead Foundation to create greater access, representation and opportunity for disabled young people.

FAQs
Who is Richard Whitehead MBE?Richard Whitehead is a British Paralympic athlete, marathon runner, world-record holder and disability campaigner. He is also the founder of the Richard Whitehead Foundation.
How did Richard Whitehead get into running?Richard entered the New York Marathon in 2004 despite never previously having raced. He describes it as a way of challenging himself and changing perceptions of disability.
How did Richard Whitehead train for his first marathon?Before having the running blades he uses today, Richard trained at night around Nottingham using sports cups fitted over his stumps.
Why was Richard Whitehead nearly left out of the Paralympic team?Richard recalls being told by the performance director that he was too old and that there wasn’t a place for him in the team. He ultimately forced his way into contention through his performances.
What does Richard Whitehead say about disability discrimination?Richard argues that disabled people remain underrepresented and continue to face barriers across sport, employment, education and wider society.
What is the Richard Whitehead Foundation?The foundation works to improve opportunities, participation and representation for disabled young people and young adults.

The Performance People podcast, in partnership with J.P. Morgan Private Bank, talks to high-performers in the world of sport and beyond, to bring defining moments, hard-earned insights and expert advice to everyday performance. New episodes every Tuesday.
______
ainslie + ainslie NIGHT POWDER, winner of Best Sleep Supplement in the GQ Sleep Awards 2025.
We love performance, which is why we’ve launched ainslie + ainslie – the first supplement brand to be developed inside elite sport. Now available for everyone. Find out more at www.ainslieainslie.com
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Connect with Performance People
Hit subscribe today for the latest.
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_______
The views and opinions expressed on Performance People are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the views of ainslie + ainslie, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, or any affiliated organisations.
This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.
© Gameface Limited 2026. All rights reserved.
Connect with Performance People
Hit subscribe today for the latest.
🎧 Spotify/Apple Music
http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/
________________________________
The views and opinions expressed on Performance People are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the views of ainslie + ainslie, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, or any affiliated organisations.
This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.
© Gameface Limited 2026. All rights reserved.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the best way to improve your sleep is not going to bed earlier, but waking up at the same time every day?
On Performance People this week, Georgie Ainslie speaks to clinical psychologist and sleep specialist Dr Michael Breus, known as The Sleep Doctor, about sleep science, chronotypes and the link between sleep and high performance.
Dr Breus explains how sleep affects recovery, concentration, decision-making, emotional control and sporting performance. He also challenges common sleep myths, including the idea that everyone needs precisely eight hours.
The conversation explores his four chronotypes: lion, bear, wolf and dolphin, and how your natural body clock can influence the best times to sleep, work, exercise and make important decisions.
Michael also discusses sleep trackers including Oura, WHOOP, Garmin and Apple Watch. While wearables can help identify useful trends, he warns against treating sleep scores and deep sleep data as completely accurate. For people who already feel anxious about sleep, checking a tracker every morning can make things worse.
Georgie and Michael also examine the lack of female sleep research and the impact of menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause on sleep. They discuss why sleep apnoea in women can be overlooked or misdiagnosed.
Finally, Dr Breus shares five practical tips: wake up at the same time every day, stop caffeine by 2pm, avoid alcohol for three hours before bed, finish exercise four hours before bed, and get morning sunlight, water and deep breaths.

The Performance People podcast, in partnership with J.P. Morgan Private Bank, talks to high-performers in the world of sport and beyond, to bring defining moments, hard-earned insights and expert advice to everyday performance. New episodes every Tuesday.

Podcast Offer: Visit ainslieainslie.com/pod to get your first 4 weeks of NIGHT + DAY POWDER for £44.50 — 50% off the standard £89 subscription price.
After your first 4 weeks, your subscription will automatically renew at £225 every 12 weeks (£75 per 4 weeks). You will be charged £225 upfront every 12 weeks, and the subscription will continue until you cancel.
Your first 16 weeks cost £269.50, compared with the standard price of £356.
You can cancel at any time through your account, provided you cancel at least 24 hours before your next payment date.
UK only. New subscribers only. One offer per customer.
Full terms: ainslieainslie.com/pages/terms-and-conditions
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Connect with Performance People
Hit subscribe today for the latest.
🎧 Spotify/Apple Music
http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/
_____
The views and opinions expressed on Performance People are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the views of ainslie + ainslie, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, or any affiliated organisations.
This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.
© Gameface Limited 2026. All rights reserved.
Connect with Performance People
Hit subscribe today for the latest.
🎧 Spotify/Apple Music
http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/
________________________________
The views and opinions expressed on Performance People are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the views of ainslie + ainslie, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, or any affiliated organisations.
This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.
© Gameface Limited 2026. All rights reserved.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What separates people who fulfil their potential from those who never quite turn it into action?
Adrian Gore is the founder and CEO of Discovery Group, the business behind Vitality, serving more than 50 million customers worldwide. His new book, The Four Principles: Multiply Your Impact in Life and Leadership, explores the habits and decisions that drive performance in business, sport and everyday life.
Adrian explains his four principles: disciplined optimism, focused urgency, declared goals and the Pareto tail. He explores why elite performers need more than talent, why pressure can sharpen performance and how a small number of decisions can shape an entire career.
We discuss why golfers putt better to save par than they do for birdie, how loss aversion motivates athletes and leaders, and why publicly declaring a goal makes it harder to step away when things become uncomfortable.
Adrian experienced that himself when he announced that he would run a five-minute mile. He did not achieve the target, but the attempt transformed his fitness and later helped him run a Boston Marathon qualifying time in his sixties.
He also shares the thinking behind Vitality, explains why optimism should be treated as a discipline rather than a personality trait, and reveals how his 2.30am “golden hour” helps him protect time for his most important work.
This is a conversation about leadership and business through a performance lens: setting meaningful goals, responding to setbacks and recognising which actions will have the greatest impact.

Find The Four Principles by Adrian Gore on Amazon:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Four-Principles-Multiply-Impact-Leadership/dp/1035076489
Connect with Adrian Gore here:
Adrian Gore (@adriangoreofficial)
https://za.linkedin.com/in/adrian-gore

#AdrianGore #TheFourPrinciples #SportsPerformance #Leadership #HighPerformance #PerformancePeople

The Performance People podcast, in partnership with J.P. Morgan Private Bank, talks to high-performers in the world of sport and beyond, to bring defining moments, hard-earned insights and expert advice to everyday performance. New episodes every Tuesday.

Podcast Offer: Visit ainslieainslie.com/pod to get your first 4 weeks of NIGHT + DAY POWDER for £44.50 — 50% off the standard £89 subscription price.
After your first 4 weeks, your subscription will automatically renew at £225 every 12 weeks (£75 per 4 weeks). You will be charged £225 upfront every 12 weeks, and the subscription will continue until you cancel.
Your first 16 weeks cost £269.50, compared with the standard price of £356.
You can cancel at any time through your account, provided you cancel at least 24 hours before your next payment date.
UK only. New subscribers only. One offer per customer.
Full terms: ainslieainslie.com/pages/terms-and-conditions

_____
Connect with Performance People
Hit subscribe today for the latest.
🎧 Spotify/Apple Music
http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/
_____
The views and opinions expressed on Performance People are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the views of ainslie + ainslie, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, or any affiliated organisations.
This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.
© Gameface Limited 2026. All rights reserved.
Connect with Performance People
Hit subscribe today for the latest.
🎧 Spotify/Apple Music
http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/
________________________________
The views and opinions expressed on Performance People are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the views of ainslie + ainslie, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, or any affiliated organisations.
This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.
© Gameface Limited 2026. All rights reserved.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to perform when the margins are measured in hundredths of a second, the pressure is immense and one mistake can end everything?
Recorded live at the J.P. Morgan sponsored Aurora event in Båstad, Sweden, Georgie Ainslie sits down with two of Sweden’s most successful skiers: Olympic alpine champion Sara Hector and cross-country star Ebba Andersson.
Sara reflects on the six-year wait between podium finishes, the serious knee injury that threatened her career and the mindset shift that helped her win Olympic giant slalom gold. She also explains why fear of failure cannot simply be suppressed, what it feels like to race at the limit and why elite athletes must learn not to empty the glass in every training session.
Ebba shares the conversation with her father that pulled her out of one of the lowest periods of her career, why she changed her approach after the Beijing Olympics and how better recovery, nutrition and trust in her own instincts helped her reach new heights.
Together, they discuss performance anxiety, comparison, recovery, resilience, discipline and the importance of staying present when everything is at stake.
This episode was recorded live at Aurora in Båstad, Sweden.
Performance People is powered by J.P. Morgan Private Bank.

FAQs
Who are Sara Hector and Ebba Andersson?Sara Hector is a Swedish alpine skier and Olympic giant slalom champion. Ebba Andersson is a Swedish cross-country skier with multiple World Championship titles and Olympic medals.
Where was this episode recorded?The conversation was recorded live at the Aurora car event in Båstad, Sweden, which was sponsored by J.P. Morgan Private Bank.
What sports do Sara Hector and Ebba Andersson compete in?Sara competes in alpine skiing, specialising in giant slalom. Ebba competes in cross-country skiing and is known for endurance events.
What does Sara Hector say about performance anxiety?Sara explains that she cannot simply suppress anxiety or fear of failure. Instead, she has learned to allow those feelings to arise, accept them and return her attention to the next action.
How did Ebba Andersson recover from a major setback?After suffering a serious knee injury, Ebba reached a very low point. A direct conversation with her father challenged her to decide whether she would remain negative or take control of the situation and work towards returning to skiing.
How important is recovery to elite athletes?Both athletes describe recovery as central to performance. Sara says athletes do not improve during training itself, but through the recovery that follows it.
What is the “water glass” analogy discussed in the episode?Sara’s coach compares energy to a glass of water. If an athlete completely empties the glass during every training session, it soon becomes impossible to recover. The lesson is to leave something in reserve.
What is the main lesson Sara and Ebba give to young athletes?Ebba advises young people to listen to themselves rather than constantly following the opinions of others. Sara argues that attitude, discipline and clarity about personal values can carry athletes through periods when motivation disappears.

The Performance People podcast, in partnership with J.P. Morgan Private Bank, talks to high-performers in the world of sport and beyond, to bring defining moments, hard-earned insights and expert advice to everyday performance. New episodes every Tuesday.
______
Connect with Performance People
Hit subscribe today for the latest.
🎧 Spotify/Apple Music
http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/
_______
The views and opinions expressed on Performance People are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the views of ainslie + ainslie, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, or any affiliated organisations.
This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.
© Gameface Limited 2026. All rights reserved.
Connect with Performance People
Hit subscribe today for the latest.
🎧 Spotify/Apple Music
http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/
________________________________
The views and opinions expressed on Performance People are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the views of ainslie + ainslie, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, or any affiliated organisations.
This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.
© Gameface Limited 2026. All rights reserved.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TNT lead cycling presenter, Orla Chennaoui joins Georgie Ainslie for a conversation about anxiety, sobriety, cycling and life inside the Tour de France.
As this year’s Tour unfolds, Orla gives a brilliant insider’s view on what makes the race so brutal, beautiful and tactically complex. She explains why Tadej Pogačar is surrounded by riders who could lead other teams, how domestiques sacrifice their own ambitions to protect a leader, and why the Tour is not just 21 days of racing, it is a relentless machine of recovery, logistics, pressure and performance.
Orla also reflects on how she fell in love with cycling, from covering Team GB after Beijing to being drawn into the atmosphere, access and human stories of the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France.
Away from the road, she opens up about the anxiety that has shaped much of her life, the online abuse that nearly pushed her away from television, and the decision to stop drinking 11 years ago, which she describes as the best decision she has ever made.
In this episode, Orla shares the story behind Ten Times Braver, the question that changed her life, and the tools she uses to manage fear, from box breathing to her “one song reset”.
This is a conversation about the hidden realities of elite sport, the pressure behind live broadcasting, and learning how to stop chasing happiness and start living it.

FAQs
Who is Orla Chennaoui?
Orla Chennaoui is a sports broadcaster best known for her cycling coverage, including the Tour de France. She is also the founder of Ten Times Braver.
What does Orla say about Tadej Pogačar and the Tour de France?
Orla explains how a rider like Pogačar is supported by an entire team, with riders around him sacrificing their own ambitions to protect and help him win.
Why does Orla say cycling is really a team sport?
Although one rider often gets the glory, Orla explains that Tour success depends on domestiques, tactics, protection, pacing, fuelling and constant sacrifice from the whole team.
Why does Orla think the Tour de France is so hard?
She describes it as 21 days of racing inside a 23-day event, with constant travel, recovery, hotel moves, logistics and pressure — like a Formula One weekend that never ends.
What personal struggles does Orla discuss?
Orla opens up about lifelong anxiety, imposter syndrome, online abuse, feeling like an outsider and the emotional crash that can come after live broadcasting.
Why did Orla stop drinking?
Orla says alcohol had become a way to escape anxiety. After becoming a mother, she realised she wanted her career, family and home life to thrive — and alcohol was the thing that had to go.

The Performance People podcast, in partnership with J.P. Morgan Private Bank, talks to high-performers in the world of sport and beyond, to bring defining moments, hard-earned insights and expert advice to everyday performance. New episodes every Tuesday.
__
ainslie + ainslie NIGHT POWDER, winner of Best Sleep Supplement in the GQ Sleep Awards 2025.
We love performance, which is why we’ve launched ainslie + ainslie – the first supplement brand to be developed inside elite sport. Now available for everyone. Find out more at www.ainslieainslie.com
___
Connect with Performance People
Hit subscribe today for the latest.
🎧 Spotify/Apple Music
http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/
___
The views and opinions expressed on Performance People are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the views of ainslie + ainslie, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, or any affiliated organisations.
This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.
© Gameface Limited 2026. All rights reserved.
Connect with Performance People
Hit subscribe today for the latest.
🎧 Spotify/Apple Music
http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/
________________________________
The views and opinions expressed on Performance People are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the views of ainslie + ainslie, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, or any affiliated organisations.
This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.
© Gameface Limited 2026. All rights reserved.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.