Naturally, when you imagine a conversation with a two-time Olympic gold medallist, it’s easy to expect talk about the medals, the celebrations and the exhilaration that comes with winning. But with Valarie Allman, you’re more likely to get a perspective into embracing failure and the importance of learning from those moments. A journey that started with something as simple as a high school spaghetti dinner is one worth knowing.
When asked about the importance of her journey, the obstacles and challenges, Allman replied with an air of wisdom: “The best thing you can do is embrace failure or hardship, let that guide you and know that that’s just a part of life. It’s never only going to be highs, you need challenges.”
“I’ve tried to embrace that and know that there’s always going to be something I can learn when I’m not on top of the podium. And sometimes those have been some of my greatest moments.”
When asked about the women who inspired her, Allman, an icon and role model to countless young girls, shared that the greatest source of inspiration came from within the four walls of her home. “I am so grateful I grew up in a house surrounded by women who were confident, bold, brave and really celebrated sport,”she said.
While her household fostered a strong love for sports, she didn’t discover her true passion until a tradition in high school led her to the discus throw. “Discus was something that was new to us,” said Allman. “I was into dance growing up, and when I was in high school, I tried track and the throwers had an annual spaghetti dinner and something about that spaghetti got me going. So, I tried going often and found that I had a passion for it.”
“It’s always the pasta, isn’t it?” I asked. Allman laughed and replied: “What is it about pasta?!”
When asked what message she would give young girls, her advice was clear. “Be comfortable being uncomfortable,” she said. “Be willing to challenge yourself, try something new because you never know what could come from that. I never expected to become an Olympian, to win the Olympics and I’m just grateful that I leaned into those opportunities and continued to show up.”
Allman’s refreshingly vulnerable approach is a reminder to us all that success is never a straight line. It’s the hunger, passion, and determination that truly defines us. Her story is the embodiment of the idea that true greatness lies in blazing a trail and inspiring others to follow it.