Episode 208

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Published on:

4th Nov 2025

#212 – When the High Wears Off: Reece Walsh and the Mental Toll of Success

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Episode Summary:


Even the brightest stars hit a wall. In this episode, Ian Hawkins looks at the human side of high performance through the lens of Reece Walsh’s recent form. After weeks of triumphs: finals glory, a grand-final win, a test debut, Man-of-the-Match honours. Walsh’s energy visibly dipped. Ian explores why that’s normal, not weakness: relentless schedules, media duties, and public expectations push mental reserves past breaking point.


Drawing parallels between elite sport and everyday life, Ian challenges listeners to spot their own signs of fatigue. As the year closes, he shares practical strategies for rest, recovery, and resetting. What real restoration looks like beyond just a lazy weekend. Learn how to refill your tank through planning, connection, and purpose, so you can finish strong and start the new year clear and focused.


About the Host:


Ian Hawkins is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life.


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About the Podcast

Sport Is Life
It's More Than Just A Game
The Sport Is Life podcast explores how sport can positively change your life. Join us as we delve into the powerful life lessons that sport teaches you, lessons that can be applied to every aspect of your life. Host Ian Hawkins shares wisdom and insights gained from a lifetime of experience as an athlete, husband, father, PE teacher, community volunteer, manager at Fox Sports and a performance coach to elite athletes, business owners, corporate leaders, and other coaches. Tune in to hear how sports can provide the tools you need to excel in your personal and professional life. From practical advice to heartfelt stories, the "Sport Is Life Podcast" is your guide to unlocking the potential within you through the power of sport.

Sport is more than just a game; Sport Is Life.

About your host

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Ian Hawkins

Ian Hawkins, host of "Sport Is Life," is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life.