I AM A CHAMPION with Jonathan Flowers (Remastered)I AM A CHAMPION with Jonathan Flowers (Remastered)
Addict II Athlete Podcast
Coach Blu Robinson talks with Jonathan Flowers about the story behind the viral “I AM A CHAMPION” speech and how it grew out of grief, service and sport. Their conversation links a champion mindset to parenting, community and life after addiction, with practical ideas for anyone feeling stuck on the sidelines.
51:20•16 Sept 2024
I AM A CHAMPION: Jonathan Flowers on Grit, Grief and Real Recovery
Episode Overview
- A champion is anyone who keeps taking steps through adversity, even if it’s only “half a step” on a bad day.
- Consistent presence, boundaries and apologies when you’re wrong are core to effective coaching and parenting.
- Your “team” is wider than family; neighbours, colleagues and community support can all help sustain recovery.
- If you feel stuck, write down what you truly want, then list what you must do to give yourself a real shot at it.
- Act as if the coach, partner or future self you dream of is already watching you, and let that guide your choices.
“Anybody listening on this call… you are 100% successful at overcoming adversity because you’re still here.”
What makes a recovery story truly inspiring? This remastered conversation with Coach Blu Robinson and Jonathan Flowers, the man behind the viral “I AM A CHAMPION” locker-room speech, gives you a front-row seat to raw courage, grief, and grit. Jonathan shares how that famous speech was born from a brutal week: his father had just died from cancer, he was ready to quit coaching, and then his players turned up at his front door to check on him.
Out of journalling, a film score from *Last of the Mohicans*, and a promise not to let his pain derail the team, the speech poured out.
As Jonathan puts it, “Anybody listening… you are 100% successful at overcoming adversity because you’re still here.” You’ll hear his definition of a champion – not trophies and highlight reels, but people who “have bad days… they just don’t give up.” That idea fits perfectly with the Addict II Athlete community, which uses the “I AM A CHAMPION” chant as a rallying cry for those working to beat addiction. The chat goes way beyond sport.
Jonathan opens up about parenting, modelling healthy behaviour in recovery, and why family comes before any spotlight. He tells stories of former players who became police officers and Marines, still using the message years later in high-pressure situations. There’s plenty here for parents, coaches, and anyone trying to rebuild life after addiction: tough love, clear boundaries, and showing up consistently, even when it’s deeply inconvenient.
If you’ve ever felt stuck on the bench in life, this episode makes a powerful case for writing down what you really want, doing the unglamorous work, and acting as if the person you dream of being is already watching you. So, what kind of champion are you ready to be today?
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