Episode 148: Reborn in the Ring: Gabi Jacobs on Walking Away, Coming Back, and Trusting the Process

March 30, 2026

Watch on Youtube Listen on Apple Podcasts

Gabi Jacobs joined track in 7th grade just to hang out with friends, but she became a three-time All-American and SEC champion discus thrower at Mizzou. After fouling out at the 2021 Olympic Trials and juggling elite training with demanding jobs, she walked away from the sport entirely—thinking she was done for good.

From Burnout to Comeback

Two years off changed everything. Watching SECs, USAs, and Worlds in Budapest reignited her fire, especially seeing former competitors shine on the global stage. A chat with her dad, a longtime high school track coach, gave her simple advice: Start throwing again, keep going if it brings joy, stop if it doesn't. Now back in Columbia, Missouri, training with Coach Dane Miller at Garage Strength, Gabi structures her life around part-time work, recovery from a knee injury, and daily process goals.

Trusting the Process

Gabi holds a master's in positive coaching, so her insights blend lived experience with psychology. She credits SMART goals, training journals, and celebrating small wins—like better lifts or consistent effort—for building high-performance mindsets that survive burnout. Her why shifted too: No longer chasing sponsorships or status, she focuses on personal growth and enjoying the grind toward the 2028 LA Olympics.

In Episode 148 of The Mental Mettle Podcast, Gabi shares raw details on quitting without regret, rebuilding joy, and why stepping away can clarify your path. Perfect for athletes, parents, or coaches facing pressure.

Listen now and grab the free Resilient Parents Playbook at www.resilientparentsplaybook.com. Learn more about our partners at americanparagons.org.

Are you ready to forge your mettle?

More From Mental Mettle

Episode 156: Raising Superheroes: Megan Gilmore on Mental Health & Well‑Being for Kids

In Episode 156 of The Mental Mettle Podcast, Coach Matt Thomann sits down with Megan Gilmore, founder and executive director of Larksong, certified coach, and author, to talk about why mental health and well-being skills should start much earlier than most people think. The conversation makes a clear case that kids benefit from learning these tools early, just like they do with physical health habits.

Episode 155: Time on Feet: How Kyle Thompson Uses Adversity to Chase Excellence

In Episode 155 of The Mental Mettle Podcast, Regional Superintendent and ultramarathoner Kyle Thompson shares how “time on feet” in the mountains has shaped the way he leads, parents, and lives. His story is a powerful look at intentional adversity, resilience, and what it means to choose hard things on purpose so you’re better prepared for the hard things life brings your way.

Why Individual Mental Performance Coaching Matters for Athletes

Athletes train their bodies, sharpen their skills, and study the game, but many still struggle when pressure rises. Individual mental performance coaching helps bridge that gap by teaching athletes how to think, respond, and compete with more confidence, composure, and control.

Episode 154: Secrets Behind the Third Skill Set: Mental Performance

Most athletes train hard in two areas: sport skills and strength. But there’s a third skill set that often gets ignored, and it may be the one that matters most when pressure hits. In Episode 154 of The Mental Mettle Podcast, Coach Matt Thomann breaks down the real difference-maker in sports performance: mental performance.

Ember to Inferno: Building Mentally Tough Athletes Through Coach Development

Coaches spend countless hours perfecting physical training and game strategies, but mental toughness—the ability to thrive under pressure, regulate emotions, and respond to adversity—often gets overlooked. That's where Ember to Inferno comes in.

Episode 111: Tips for Mastering the Mental Game with Coach Brandon Beery

How do elite athletes and coaches rise above the noise, pressure, and setbacks to achieve peak performance? In Episode 111 of the Mental Mettle Podcast, Coach Matt Thomann and fellow mindset coach Brandon Beery break down the science and art of mastering the mental game.

View all