2018 ATHLETE LEADERSHIP CONNECTION

Welcome by WSF President Grete Eliassen and Lisa Cregan.

At some point in every athlete's career, the inevitable happens: you hit a wall.  You lose your drive, you have an injury, or nerves get in the way. And when it's time to think about walking away from the sport to which you have dedicated most of your life… it's not always easy, physically and emotionally.  ESPN’s Kate Fagan, author of “What Made Maddy Run” has an eye-opening discussion with Olympic Gold medalist and five-time Olympian in snowboarding, Kelly Clark,  five-time Olympic Gold medalist in swimming, Missy Franklin, and Paralympic track & field athlete,  Scout Bassett, who has each struggled through the sometimes difficult mental health challenges of athletic competition and of its effect on life out of competitive athletics. 

Moderated by Sandra Richards, Managing Director at Morgan Stanley.  Marianne Schnall, activist and author of “What will it Take to Make a Woman President?”will join veteran sports journalist and advocate, Sam Marchiano, as they talk with 2012 gold medalist in gymnastics, Jordyn Wieber, an outspoken voice for change. Ever wonder “what will it take” to make a difference? As a visible athlete you have a unique position inside your sport and out. Jordyn explores ways to be a vocal advocate, effecting change toward equity and reform in a number of issues. 

WSF President Grete Eliassen will launch the mentoring initiative, meant to “carry the torch of leadership forward.”