Mastering Mindset: All-American Sara Dunn Navigates Life’s Hardships, from Injury to Grief, EP 281

Champion's Mojo for Masters Swimmers

When life throws its hardest challenges—divorce, injuries, the loss of a beloved parent, and the relentless pace of a demanding career—what keeps a champion going? For Sara Henninger Dunn, it’s the unshakable mindset she’s honed since her days as a collegiate All-American swimmer and her enduring relationship with the water. In this inspiring episode of Champion’s Mojo, Sara shares how a fierce mental toughness, built from years of competitive swimming, helped her navigate life’s toughest lanes with grace and resilience.

Sara opens up about rediscovering swimming after a 20-year break, how the pool became her sanctuary during the grieving process, and why staying active is her ultimate form of self-care amidst a hectic work life. She also shares the rituals, routines, and mindset hacks—like wearing handmade bracelets with personal mantras—that keep her grounded and focused. Whether you’re an athlete, a professional juggling life’s demands, or someone seeking inspiration to overcome personal hurdles, Sara’s journey reminds us that it’s not just about winning races—it’s about winning at life.

Tune in for a heartfelt conversation packed with wisdom on grit, reinvention, and the healing power of community and movement.

Sara Dunn, state, national, and world record breaker in US Master Swimming, shares her incredible journey of returning to competitive swimming after a 20-year break following an injury in 2015. Her story demonstrates how passion for swimming can transcend time and how the right mindset can lead to continued success at any age.
• Returned to swimming after a serious ankle injury prevented land-based cardio exercise
• Earned All-American honors (top time nationally) consistently since returning to competition
• Uses personal mantras like "make good choices" and "we don't do that anymore" as mental tools
• Sets goal times as her phone lock screen for constant motivation and focus
• Defines success as being better than she was the day before, not comparing to college-age times
• Values the SwimMac Masters community as family who support her in and out of the pool
• Recently became chair of North Carolina Master Swimming
• Maintains a consistent schedule: swimming Sunday/Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday, lifting Monday/Wednesday
• Would advise her college-age self to "never stop swimming"
Find Sara through US Masters Swimming or connect with your local masters swimming program to experience the joys of lifelong swimming in a supportive community.

Email us at [email protected]. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns.

Chapters

1. Sarah Dunn's Swimming Journey (00:00:00)

2. The Comeback After Injury (00:06:25)

3. Champion Mindset and Life Lessons (00:12:10)

4. Planning for Future Success (00:19:20)

5. SwimMac Masters and Community (00:23:55)

6. Leadership and Final Thoughts (00:28:40)