Micah Wilkinson — Olympic Sailing, Mental Resilience & Decision-Making Under Pressure (Olympic Medalist Sailor)

In this episode, we sit down with Micah Wilkinson, an Olympic Bronze Medalist sailor representing New Zealand who has turned the art of racing under pressure into lessons on mindset, teamwork, and growth. Competing on the world stage, Micah shares what it takes to make high-stakes decisions in seconds, how he builds mental resilience on and off the water, and the habits that keep him performing at his best.

He opens up about his journey through New Zealand’s youth sailing pathways, the importance of outdoor education in shaping young athletes, and the psychological tools that help him reset after setbacks. From split-second decision-making to team communication and self-belief, Micah offers real-world insights into performance psychology that extend far beyond sport.

Whether you’re an aspiring athlete, a student navigating pressure, or simply curious about what it takes to reach the Olympic level, this conversation offers powerful lessons in focus, adaptability, and personal growth.

📝 Chapters

00:00 Growing Up in Aotearoa & Discovering Sailing

05:18 Pathways from Youth Sailing to the Olympic Stage

11:42 Decision-Making Under Pressure

17:35 Building Mental Resilience & Reset Routines

23:20 Working with Coaches & Sport Psychologists

29:04 The Importance of Outdoor Education

34:48 Team Dynamics & Communication on the Water

40:55 Applying Performance Psychology Beyond Sport

46:10 Reflections, Advice & Future Goals