"I missed the Olympics by 0.03 seconds, but refused to quit" | Olympian Shannon Abeda's story

What happens when your biggest dream slips away by three hundredths of a second? Olympian Shannon-Ogbnai Abeda shares the raw, behind-the-scenes story of how missing the Olympics shattered his identity, and ultimately led him to rediscover his purpose, rebuild his life, and return stronger than ever.

Shannon-Ogbnai Abeda is a two-time Olympian and the first Winter Olympian to represent Eritrea. Born and raised in Canada to Eritrean parents, Shannon grew up ski racing in the Canadian Rockies but chose to honor his heritage by competing for Eritrea on the world stage. A software engineer by profession and a trailblazer in sport, Shannon’s story is one of identity, perseverance, and redefining what’s possible—both on and off the mountain.

Disclaimer: The stories shared in this episode are the personal experiences and perspectives of the guest. They do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Art of Heart or its host.

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Remember, you don’t need to have it all figured out, you just have to be willing to listen to your heart.

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Chapters

• 1:33 Growing Up on the Slopes: How It All Began
• 6:44 Missing the Olympics by 0.03 Seconds
• 10:26 Injury, Isolation, and the Breaking Point
• 17:35 Qualifying Again—and Feeling Empty
• 23:01 Losing Identity After the Olympics
• 26:24 A Friend’s Death That Changed Everything
• 32:30 Finding Purpose Beyond the Podium