How it really feels to be a competitive athlete

A short video talking through my current mindset struggles with competing
Link to documentary mentioned in the video by ‪@OfficialStrongmancom‬
• Meet the strongest wom...

[@iron_unicorn]

“You know you don’t have to compete right?” is so powerful. Thanks for sharing this.

[@ChloeBrennanStrongwoman]

So powerful for me too! You’re welcome 😃

[@aarons3014]

Chloe, people will still be watching your Dinnie Stone lift in 50 years. You created an iconic moment in sports. Almost nobody does this, no matter how good they are, no matter how well -paid their sport is. Going forward, your mental, financial and physical health need to be your #1 focus imo. No contest victory will surpass what you have already achieved. Make yourself the best life possible, given the circumstances you're in. Maybe 10 or 20 years from now, stongwoman will be better paid, because of Rogue's leadership. But it's 2024 right now. Do what's best for you. My two (unasked for) cents.

[@ChloeBrennanStrongwoman]

Thank you- really appreciate this! Don’t think I quite realised the impact of this lift at the time lol!!

[@riculfriculfson7243]

I STILL go back and watch the official footage, with the US commentators, as a pick-me-up. How to surprise everyone (except herself of course).

[@jonnylieberman]

@@riculfriculfson7243It's still the most impressive moment in strength sports I've ever seen.

[@brianthompson8055]

my wife and i are drawn to strongman for the mental health conversations as much as lifting. thank you for being real.

[@laurencecrowehaylett5347]

I’ve found balancing my work and training so tough, it completely overwhelms me sometimes, so it is so important to take a break. I generally thought that I couldn’t respect you more, but this was so brave. Well done mate. And I’d follow you in what you ever chose to do. (not in a creepy way) I think you’re great. ⭐️

[@riculfriculfson7243]

Raw honesty. Always worth it. Well done.

[@allandrever1518]

More stonelifting tours, have some fun. Really liked the one of you,matt and stonebeetle!

[@Echo5-Tango]

Its always YOU vs YOU thats something I learned serving in the US Military and currently live by. Many years ago I drag raced motorcycles I won a single competition and that was it for me! I pivoted to something new. You are allowed to change directions, very few if any people have a linear path in this life. As long as you are doing better today than you did yesterday at whtever your chosen discipline is then you are winning! Of the 11 leadership principals the Marine Corps teaches the first one on most list is "Know yourself and seek self-improvement" as long as you have forward momentum you are doing better than most of the world!

[@davidthompson878]

Whatever you decide you can be so proud already of your accomplishments, we know from watching your videos and what you've done that in whatever you do Chloe Brennan will be a Strong Woman, praying for your mental health.

[@tigercampling113]

Thank you so much for this!! Needed to know it's not just me ❤

[@markmeltser1094]

First Chloe, great honest video and, as you said, now is the time to lean on your friends, coaches, family. It’s also important you recognize that it is perfectly normal to feel somewhat deflated after achieving a huge goal. Few of us can directly relate to competing on a world level. In my small world, I experienced a similar let down each time I achieved another degree of black belt in our mixed martial arts program. I felt, ok I got my 2nd degree. Now it’s more of the same for years and then I get my 3rd degree, then…. Instead, I really enjoyed coaching the beginner and intermediate students and helping keeping them motivated and learning new skills. Each time one of them mastered a skill, I felt a rush that I was able to help them in some small part to get it. Do what motivates you. If it’s coaching or commentating, that doesn’t mean you can’t also keep some level of training going and decide which competitions you want to aim for in the future. Also, remember, you have a fan base worldwide in this arena so don’t sell yourself short on your mad skills. Cheering you on from Warwick, Pennsylvania, USA.

[@ChloeBrennanStrongwoman]

Thank you for your comment Mark! I can definitely relate to what you are saying about coaching! I appreciate your supportive words 😊

[@LisaLiddy]

I went through the same thing after representing GB in powerlifting. Goal achieved but left me feeling weirdly empty (and broke!) and completely lost the passion for competing. I am now training just for me (hypertrophy instead of strength for now) and am content with this for now. Best of luck to you whatever you decide to do moving forward. Keep being true to yourself. I will be at York cheering you on xx

[@Resident-cb3yz]

Take a break. You are still young and now it is time to do something else. Life has multiple stages and goals. Sometimes you go back to something that you used to like. Your Dinnie stone lift was really epic and one of the best moments in sports for me when i saw it. I think you seem like nice person and you are semigod.

[@immolatewarlock6542]

If you are in the position to do what you want to do, then do that :D

[@katharynd3350]

❤ appreciate the video. online is mostly a highlight reel, but the highlights are one dimensional without the reality of the challenges and lows necessary for those highs. I had a moment like that / person who gave me permission to not do something I thought I had to do (mine was career wise) and I felt that immense relief and reset of my mind. It’s big and so important to do things because you want to or feel like you get to vs have to or should do. With time, space and great support - you’ll discover what’s next :)

[@ChloeBrennanStrongwoman]

Thanks Kat 💚

[@patrickprescott2580]

Good luck on whatever makes you happy, and thanks to you and your crew for the content of the journey

Also loved the vid with Nile! It was so much fun! Take the moments, cheers! :) So happy watching

[@TheBigBopper92]

Should have a chat if possible with someone like Big Loz about this! full time athlete who now just coaches ,commentary and youtube! Especially getting into the show commentary stuff i'm sure he'd have some great advice for it

[@crawshawstrength]

I used to be really enthusiastic about competing. I learned that helping others and caring for my mental well-being is more important than egotistical quests for greatness or achieving things. I now train to be the strongest version of myself, and if I break any records, that is a bonus.

[@ChloeBrennanStrongwoman]

That’s awesome!

[@lostonwallace1396]

Sounds like you're getting it all together in your head, Chloe. Seems to me that you need a break. A vacation from the sport. Strongman/Strongwoman comps are not the end all of life. Happiness is everything. Being happy is the most important thing in life. Slow down. Take a break. Try some new things or revisit some of the other things that you love in life. Maybe a hobby you haven't done in a while, or maybe watch some movies, take a few trips just for pleasure, etc. You are someone who has constantly had a full plate to handle every single day, and that can run you down physically, mentally and emotionally. Recovery time is necessary in all aspects of living. You can't always be "on." You can't only be one thing either. You have to be the whole you. Rest. Have some fun. Visit people you didn't have time to visit. See old friends again. Take a trip to someplace you always wanted to see, etc. Be as kind to yourself as you've been to others. You need some attention too.

[@ChloeBrennanStrongwoman]

Thank you! This is very kind and I appreciate you taking the time to write this, happy sure is the priority 😃

[@bobbydaglish25]

I believe sometimes you need step away to go forward you are to good call time just yet. But having sometime coach so your fire can be burn again.

[@ChloeBrennanStrongwoman]

Thanks Bob! Definitely not done yet but nice to have the weight lifted 😃

[@bobbydaglish25]

I’ve being there like many athletes but if I’m totally honest being a coach is so much more satisfying later in life😁 By the way great KZbin show love every episode

[@enormousderek]

It's totally normal to feel this way from time to time. I've no doubt that you'll get the bug back sooner than you think. I'll be looking forward to seeing more incredible things from you. Also, I found out recently that we actually have a friend in common, I nerded out a bit at the discovery!

These times happen, no worry! It is the time to grow. Mentally and also physically but most things what happens is in yous head. you've met a lot awesome people, Eddie Hall just to mention. Keep going, dont keep your chin down. I'm from finland and even I am inspired by your accomplisements. a Big cheers from here! All the loves.

[@ChloeBrennanStrongwoman]

Thank you 😊

[@jlalonde1000]

After show Put the minimum in gym for a few weeks just enough to maintain 6 sets a week then the drive will come back

[@ChloeBrennanStrongwoman]

Always have a period of time off training after competitions and have 5-6 months not competing, sometimes the fire just isn’t always there 😊😊

[@npkaj]

Do what's best for you! That's what I've told my own daughters. Take care

[@RobinMuirhead]

You are an excellent ambassador for Strong Woman, have fun in these other endeavours.

[@AlanCain_Caintech]

Looking forward to see you in York soon. Taking a break can defiantly be a good thing for your mental health and with your coaching business you have planet to keep you busy. I am sure I speak for all your fans when I say, take a break and we will be here when you return. Also, make Matt do some stone lifting videos with you they are great. ❤❤‍🩹

[@ChloeBrennanStrongwoman]

Thank you!! We can definitely arrange some stone lifting videos 😃

[@SomeYouTubeGuy]

Not the same sport but Dana Linn Bailey walked away from competing but stayed involved in other ways. Whatever you decide I will always look up to you.

[@edwatson4997]

👍

[@jculbert2221]

If you want to feel like your JOB (as a coach) has people relying on you, that's reasonable. But don't compete for other people. Compete for fun, compete for yourself. Compete for the soul. If you don't have those things in it, then don't do it. You've already proven everything you need to prove to anyone.

[@w0033944]

Sounds rather like the racing driver Niki Lauda experienced in 1979 - he walked away from motorsport and only came back for 1982.

[@dannywolfstrongman]

well young lady lol ,I think you forgot " its not a job " it is a sport / hobby / something you thrive at ,, but most of all , , , it was fun !!! you have done awesome amazing things ! I for one am proud of you whatever thats worth lol . But with respect and friendship . this last year or so it has looked to me like you more worried about what other people think or "need" making it more of a chore than a joy. where in truth 99% of your fans just want you to love what you do a enjoy the wins , we are all proud of you first second third or last placed dont really matter , long as you are having fun we are too #screwwork lol

[@didierboedec3255]

Hello Chloé, why test arm wrestling?

[@pahtar7189]

Mental health is a critical part of being a good competitor and person in general. I'm reminded of Simone Biles stepping back before she had a crash and burn. You're inspirational, but you still have to do what's right for you regardless of the desires of your fans, friends, and family. I really appreciate how you are able to reflect on the training and competition process rather than just focusing on showing highlights. I have a couple of video ideas that are a bit different from those you and the other KZbin athletes usually do: - The women who are competing for the first time this year. - How the sport has changed since you started competing. - How you approach working on your weakest events.

[@ChloeBrennanStrongwoman]

Thank you- and thank you for your video suggestions too! 😃

[@lauriemac28]

Smart moves! Come to Fefor and eat soup and enjoy life 🙂