EPISODE 66: Built for the Podium: What It Takes to Compete at the Olympic Level
- Dr. Ja'nae Brown
- 19 hours ago
- 5 min read
By Dr. Ja’nae Brown, PT, DPT | Owner, Physical Therapy San Pedro
What does it really take to compete at the Olympic level? Most people see the performance—the race, the result, the moment. But what they don’t see is everything that leads up to it. The early mornings. The setbacks. The injuries. The discipline it takes to keep showing up, even when things aren’t going your way.
I sat down with Joshua Hartman, a USA Cycling athlete currently training as part of a select group aiming for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. But this wasn’t just an interview for me—it was a reflection on an athlete I’ve had the opportunity to work with behind the scenes.
Where It All Started
Josh’s journey didn’t begin with a grand plan. It started with a challenge. At 12 years old, inspired by his cousin—an Olympic cyclist—he heard something simple but powerful: “You’ll never beat me.”
For most kids, that might have been a passing moment. For Josh, it became a spark.
What started as riding a bike turned into something more. Over time, that spark grew into a commitment. And that commitment turned into a path—one that would eventually lead him to competing at an elite level. But like most journeys worth telling, his wasn’t smooth.
A Moment That Could Have Changed Everything
At 15, Josh experienced a near-death accident that left him in a coma for several weeks. It’s the kind of moment that forces a decision—whether to step away or find a way back.
The recommendation was clear: don’t return. But Josh did.
Not only did he return, but within a year, he was back competing—and won his first road race exactly one year after that accident.
When you hear that, it’s easy to call it impressive. But when you’ve worked with an athlete like that, you understand it’s something deeper than that. It’s not just determination. It’s identity.
Seeing the Work Up Close
I first met Josh in 2022 at the Velo Center, where I was brought in to support USA Cycling athletes during their home training camps. From the beginning, it was clear he approached his training differently.
Later, I continued working with him in the clinic through early 2024, which gave me an even closer look at what it takes to operate at that level.
Because here’s the reality—elite performance isn’t built in big moments. It’s built in the small ones.
It’s built in the consistency. In the adjustments. In how an athlete responds when something isn’t right.
And that’s where I saw Josh stand out the most.
Injury Isn’t the End—It’s Part of the Process
Like many high-level athletes, Josh has dealt with injuries—primarily in his back and wrist. But what stood out to me wasn’t the injury itself. It was how he responded to it. There was no panic. No shortcuts.
He stayed consistent with his rehab. He paid attention to his body. But at the same time, he didn’t let pain dictate his direction. That balance is something I don’t see in every athlete.
From my perspective as his physical therapist, what stood out most was his ability to stay grounded in the process. He understood that setbacks weren’t something to fear—they were something to work through.
And that mindset changes everything.
What Actually Separates Elite Athletes
When people ask what makes someone elite, they’re often looking for something complex—some secret training method or hidden advantage. But what stood out in my conversation with Josh was how simple it really is.
It comes down to consistency. To discipline. To showing up when you don’t feel like it.
Motivation comes and goes. That’s normal. But the athletes who succeed at the highest level don’t rely on motivation—they rely on habits. Josh’s training is structured, demanding, and intentional. But more importantly, it’s consistent. He understands that success isn’t built in one session or one race—it’s built over time.
Performance Is Never a Solo Effort
Another thing that often gets overlooked is the team behind the athlete.
At this level, success isn’t just about what happens on the bike. It’s about everything surrounding it—coaching, recovery, strength training, and the people supporting the process.
Josh spoke about the role his support system plays, and it’s something I see every day in this field. Athletes perform better when they’re supported, guided, and surrounded by people who understand what they’re working toward.
From a physical therapy standpoint, this is where we come in. Recovery isn’t separate from performance—it’s a part of it. Injury prevention isn’t optional—it’s necessary. The athletes who stay healthy are the ones who can continue to compete.
What He’s Building Toward
Right now, Josh is in the middle of a big year. His focus is on three major events: the Summer Slam UCI in June, the National Championships in August, and a National Record attempt in September. But what stood out to me wasn’t just the events—it was how he defined success. It wasn’t just about outcomes. It was about execution. About continuing to improve. About pushing his limits. That perspective is what allows athletes to sustain performance over time.
A Message for Athletes
If there’s one thing I hope athletes take from this conversation, it’s this:
The path isn’t perfect.
There will be setbacks.
There will be injuries.
There will be moments where things don’t go as planned.
But those moments are part of the process—not the end of it.
What matters is how you respond.
Final Thoughts
Working with athletes like Josh is a reminder of why I do what I do.
Not just to help people recover—but to help them return stronger, more confident, and ready to perform at their highest level.
Because behind every athlete competing at the top, there’s a story of resilience, discipline, and a commitment to getting better every single day.
Listen to the Full Episode
To hear the full conversation with Joshua Hartman, watch the episode on YouTube or listen on your favorite podcast platform.
📺 YouTube: Physical Therapy San Pedro
🎙️ Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Need Help Getting Back to Your Sport?
If you’re in the San Pedro or Los Angeles area and looking for some help, we are a practice that reflects these values — individualized care, intentional programming, and long-term performance. We’d love to work with you at Physical Therapy San Pedro.
For those outside the area, we also offer telehealth sessions and online programs focused on ankle and knee pain, designed for athletes who want to keep progressing no matter where they’re located.
Stay Connected & Take the Next Step
📅 Book an in-person or virtual session with Dr. Ja’nae Brown at Physical Therapy San Pedro
📸 IG / FB: @physicaltherapysanpedro
📞 (424) 536-3023
📍 415 W 6th Street, San Pedro, CA 90731
💪 Guest: Josh Hartman- Track Cyclist USA National Team
📸 IG: @joshprohartman
Stay strong. Stay moving. And have an amazing 2026 year!
❤️ Dr. Ja’nae Brown
Comments