Olympic Pressure & Athlete Mindset: Paris O’Brien on Staying Present Under Fire

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What does it take to compete on the Olympic stage… and thrive under pressure?

In this powerful episode of The Goalie Mindset Podcast, Pete Fry sits down with Olympian and Certified Goalie Mindset Coach Paris O’Brien — former KHL goaltender, Beijing 2022 Olympian.

Paris shares his journey from growing up as an underdog in Coquitlam, BC to representing his Chinese heritage at the Olympics. He opens up about playing under legendary coach Mike Keenan, competing on the world stage, and the mindset lessons that shaped his career.

Together, Pete and Paris dive deep into the mental game — including:

Why nervousness and excitement are the same energy

How to master bounce back after a save not made

The difference between the Athlete Mindset vs. Fan Mindset

How to handle comparison during draft years

Reset mechanisms that actually work during games

Why body language and breathing change performance instantly

How mindset skills translate to school, life, and competition beyond hockey

They also discuss burnout, recovery, and why sharpening your “mental saw” is just as important as on-ice training.

This episode is about building resilience, confidence, and mental toughness that lasts a lifetime.

If you're a goalie, parent, or coach looking to raise your mental game — this conversation delivers Olympic-level insight.

🎧 Tune in and learn how to compete big, think bigger, and stay present when it matters most.

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