Anneke Beerten

In this episode, Rebecca and Anneke explore:

• Anneke starting BMX at age four and racing internationally as a teen

• The evolution of a mountain bike career across disciplines: BMX, 4X, Enduro

• The car accident that caused her traumatic brain injury

• Letting go of a racing career before she was ready

• Coaching for USA Cycling and mentoring Olympic medalist Haley Batten

• Coaching from Crankworx to beginners with equal joy and passion

• Finding peace, purpose, and a new kind of finish line

Transformative insights:

• "Fun was always a non-negotiable part of my training."

• Brain injuries are treatable but require advocacy and patience.

• Recovery is not linear, and it’s often invisible.

• You can still win by helping others rise.

• Letting go of the comeback dream was the first step toward real healing.

Vulnerable moments:

• The fear and emotional toll of post-TBI symptoms

• The grief of losing a lifelong identity in one instant

• Feeling isolated in a facility surrounded by stroke survivors at age 38

• The emotional reckoning of realizing racing won't be possible again

• What it meant to return to Crankworx, not to compete but to close a chapter

Practical wisdom:

• Follow your gut; fear and intuition are both teachers

• “Just give me two hours to undo what you’ve been doing for ten years” (Anneke’s coaching mantra)

• Record videos or journal during recovery to track invisible progress

• Helping others can bring the same thrill as racing

• You don't need a podium to have purpose

Personal growth:

• From podiums to mentorship: how Anneke found joy in coaching

• Learning to ask for help and accept it

• The move to Bentonville as a radical act of healing and community

• Letting go of plans and finding presence in the moment

• Redefining success through connection, not competition