Mara Katherine Abbott

Introduction: I spent the last ten years of my life as a professional cyclist, retiring after a fourth place finish at the Rio Olympics last August. I believe that the lessons I learned and strength I gained as a competitor are a common experience for all of us who wish to devote ourselves to reaching the edge of our potential. Topics I speak on include risk, authenticity, simplicity, faith and resilience. Published in the Wall Street Journal. Watch my TedX talk "The Privilege of a Broken Heart". marakatherine.com It is consistently astonishing to realize that the practices I honed as an athlete can have such a broad and positive effect on those outside of that world. I am passionate about forging common experience among those walking diverse paths. I love participating in and elevating the community of people who truly want to see what they can get out of themselves, to reach the edge of their potential - be that as an elite athlete or trying to be the best artist, advocate, friend or mother they can.