Digging Deeper - Peter Bakare: Who You Become Matters More Than What You Achieve

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In this episode of Digging Deeper, I’m joined by Peter Bakare — a true mindset athlete with an incredible story of resilience, effort, and belief.

Peter shares his journey into volleyball, only picking up the sport at 18 years old, and his extraordinary four-year mission to go from beginner to representing Great Britain at the London 2012 Olympic Games. An ex-basketball player with relentless drive, Peter talks openly about the work he had to put in off the court — learning footwork, refining movement, and closing the gap through sheer effort.

He reflects honestly on the challenges of not coming from a high-income background, the mindset required to keep going, and the transformative power of one small word: YET.

Peter also shares his experience of playing professional volleyball in Holland, his determination to earn court time, and how learning from world-class players shaped both his performance and perspective. He then takes us inside the magic of London 2012 — competing just around the corner from where he grew up, and the unforgettable moment of his mum watching her first ever volleyball match… at the Olympic Games.

The conversation then goes deeper, as Peter opens up about the post-Olympic comedown, struggles with identity, and the impact on his mental health. He shares how the encouragement of his mum led him back to university and towards building a future beyond elite sport.

Today, Peter runs NutriTroops, an organisation dedicated to helping young people live active, healthy lifestyles — a mission rooted deeply in his own journey and values.

This is a truly inspiring conversation with a great human — big heart, huge drive, and a powerful reminder that who you become matters just as much as what you achieve.

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