Every 4 Years: An Unofficial Olympic and Paralympic Podcast

Jacob Wassermann Canadian Paralympic rower and Humboldt Bronco

This week, we travel to Canada and talk to Canadian Paralympic rower Jacob Wassermann. Jacob was not always a para-athlete. He was once a goalie for the Humboldt Broncos, a Canadian junior "A" ice hockey team from Humboldt, Saskatchewan. In 2018, the Broncos were traveling to a playoff game in Nipawin when the team bus collided with a semi-truck. This incident changed Jacob, the Broncos, and the city of Humboldt forever.   Jacob's recovery journey has been one of incredible resilience and inspiration. Despite the physical and emotional challenges, Jacob found a new path in the sport of rowing. His determination and spirit led him to embrace this new challenge, ultimately earning a spot on the Canadian 2024 Paralympic Rowing Team. In this episode, Jacob shares his story of recovery, the support he received, and how he discovered rowing. From the tragedy that forever changed his life to finding hope and purpose in a new sport, Jacob’s journey is a testament to the power of the human spirit. As always, thank you for your support and it’s a good day to be a Bronco.   Jacob Wassermann Instagram: @maddywassermann @humboldtbroncossjhl  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humboldt_Broncos [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humboldt_Broncos] www.humboldtbroncos.com [http://www.humboldtbroncos.com]   Every 4 Years Podcast Instagram: @every4yearspodcast Twitter: @every4yearspodcast Facebook: @every4yearspodcast

Anita Alvarez US Artistic Swimming

This week on the "Every 4 Years" Podcast, we are honored to have Anita Alvarez, a 3-time Olympian for the US in Artistic Swimming (formerly known as Synchronized Swimming). Imagine being known more for a photo capturing one of your lowest moments than for your incredible achievements as a world-renowned athlete. That's Anita's story. At the 2022 World Aquatics Championships in Budapest, Anita fainted in the pool at the end of her solo free routine and sank to the bottom. Her coach, Andrea Fuentes, heroically jumped in to rescue her. From this near-death experience to her remarkable journey of qualifying for her third Olympics in Paris, we cover it all. Anita's journey in Artistic Swimming began early. She competed in the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials as a 14-year-old. Her passion for the sport runs in the family; her mom competed in the 1984 U.S. Olympic Trials with her duet and placed 7th. We also explore Anita's personal connection to the iconic 1980 Olympic "Miracle on Ice" hockey game in Lake Placid, NY, through her grandfather. Join us as we dive deep into the resilience, determination, and inspiring story of Anita Alvarez. This is an episode you will want to listen to over and over. Thank you for tuning in to the "Every 4 Years" Podcast, where we bring you the stories that define Olympic greatness.   Anita Alvarez Instagram: @anitaaalvarez   Every 4 Years Podcast Instagram: @every4yearspodcast Twitter: @every4yearspodcast Facebook: @every4yearspodcast

Jake Williams #2 USA Wheelchair Basketball

This week, we dive into the inspiring journey of Jake Williams, a remarkable individual whose resilience and dedication have defined his path to greatness. Join us as we sit down with Jake Williams, a 2-time Paralympian and 2-time Paralympic gold medalist for Team USA. At just 16 years old, Jake's life took an unexpected turn when he was struck by a car while riding his bike, leaving him paralyzed. Amidst the challenges of recovery, Jake found renewed hope and purpose through wheelchair basketball, inspired by a visit from Chris Okon, a player from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Against all odds, Jake remarkably took up wheelchair basketball only four months after his life-altering accident. His journey is a testament to the power of determination and hard work, demonstrating the profound impact of believing in oneself and striving relentlessly towards excellence. As Jake prepares for the upcoming Summer Paralympics in Paris, we explore the highs and lows of his athletic career, the lessons learned along the way, and the unwavering support that has fueled his remarkable achievements. Jake's story is not just about overcoming adversity—it's about embracing challenges, pushing boundaries, and inspiring others with every hoop he sinks and every medal he wins. Tune in to this episode as we celebrate Jake's journey, his unyielding spirit, and the profound message that with perseverance and passion, anything is possible. Thank you for joining us on the "Every 4 Years" Podcast, where we bring you the stories that define the heart of the Paralympic movement.   Jake Williams Instagram: @jakeusa2 Facebook: @jakewilliams     Every 4 Years Podcast Instagram: @every4yearspodcast Twitter: @every4yearspodcast Facebook: @every4yearspodcast

Monica Abbott #14 USA Softball Pitcher

Welcome to a thrilling episode of the "Every 4 Years" Podcast! This week, we're honored to sit down with Monica Abbott, a powerhouse in the world of Olympic softball, boasting an illustrious career spanning over 17 years. Join us as Monica shares her incredible journey, highlighted by two Olympic Silver Medals earned 12 years apart with Team USA. Renowned for her exceptional skill and dedication, Monica delves into what it took to establish herself as one of the most dominant players in the game, reflecting on the highs and challenges of her remarkable career. Monica also provides an exclusive insight into the upcoming "Monica Abbott's Speed Retreat" this summer, promising firsthand knowledge and expertise from her hall-of-fame career. Discover the secrets behind her enduring success and what drives her relentless pursuit of excellence. As the conversation unfolds, we explore Monica's thoughts on the possibility of returning to the mound for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles—a decision that might just surprise you. Her passion for the sport and commitment to pushing boundaries continue to inspire both fans and aspiring athletes worldwide. Don't miss this captivating episode as we celebrate Monica Abbott's enduring legacy, her insights into elite-level competition, and the future of softball on the Olympic stage. Thank you for tuning in to the "Every 4 Years" Podcast, where we bring you the stories that define Olympic greatness.   Monica Abbott  Instagram: @monicaabbott X: @monicaabbott Facebook: @monicaabbott Website: www.monicaabbott.com [http://www.monicaabbott.com]   Monica Abbott’s Speed Retreat https://www.monicaabbott.com/ma14-experience-retreat [https://www.monicaabbott.com/ma14-experience-retreat]   Every 4 Years Podcast Instagram: @every4yearspodcast Twitter: @every4yearspodcast Facebook: @every4yearspodcast

Welcome Trailer: Every 4 Years Podcast: An Unofficial Olympic and Paralympic Podcast

Welcome, Welcome, Welcome!!! Welcome to the "Every 4 Years" Podcast: An Unofficial Olympic and Paralympic Podcast, where we embark on a journey through the lives of past, present, and future Olympians and Paralympians, along with their coaches and families. Join me, your host Tim Puttre, as we uncover their inspiring stories and remarkable journeys. I may not be an Olympian, Paralympian, journalist, or expert—but I am deeply passionate about these incredible athletes and the narratives that define them. This podcast is dedicated to sharing their triumphs, challenges, and the sheer determination that propels them to greatness. In each episode, we explore a diverse array of sports, like the Luge, Wheelchair Rugby, and Artistic Swimming (formerly known as Synchronized Swimming) We've had the privilege of conversing with legends such as Greg Louganis, Dominique Dawes, Tatyana McFadden, Katie Ledecky, Oksana Masters, and even members of the iconic 1980 US Miracle on Ice hockey team like Rob McClanahan and John Harrington. Join us as we delve deep into the hearts and minds of these extraordinary individuals. Whether you're a seasoned fan or new to the world of Olympic and Paralympic sports, there's something here for everyone to enjoy and be inspired by. Stay connected with us on social media @every4yearspodcast on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for updates and additional content. Subscribe now and get ready to immerse yourself in the captivating world of Olympic and Paralympic greatness. Thank you for joining us on this incredible journey—we can't wait to share these stories with you.      Every 4 Years Podcast Instagram: @every4yearspodcast Twitter: @every4yearspodcast Facebook: @every4yearspodcast