Vincent Zhou on How to Make Your Gold Medal Dreams a Reality

What does it take to turn your biggest dreams into reality? In this episode, Olympic figure skater Vincent Zhou shares the mindset, discipline, and resilience needed to push past setbacks and achieve greatness. He opens up about the unimaginable heartbreak of missing his individual Olympic event in 2022 due to COVID, the resilience it took to keep going, and the symbolic weight of finally receiving his gold medal—two and a half years later.

Joining the conversation is Kirk Spahn, founder of the Institute for Civic Leadership (ICL), who explores how leadership, education, and personal growth play a role in shaping high performers. Together, they break down the key habits, mental strategies, and lessons that separate champions from the rest. Whether you’re an athlete, entrepreneur, or anyone striving for excellence, this episode will inspire you to go all in on your goals!

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Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Stitcher, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Listen Notes, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform. You can watch the interview on YouTube below.

How Vincent Zhou Built a Champion’s Mindset to Achieve His Olympic Dreams

Success isn’t just about talent—it’s about mindset, resilience, and unwavering passion. In this episode, Vincent Zhou, Olympic figure skater and world-class athlete, shares the mental and emotional strategies that helped him rise to the top of his sport. He opens up about the struggles he faced, from crushing setbacks to moments of self-doubt, and how he learned to push forward with grit and purpose. His journey reveals the true cost of high achievement and the lessons that apply beyond the world of sports.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode With Vincent Zhou:

• The power of grit and perseverance – Why pushing through difficulties is the key to long-term success.
• Mental resilience in high-pressure moments – How Vincent handles performance anxiety and setbacks.
• Turning failure into fuel – The mindset shift that helped him stay motivated despite obstacles.
• The sacrifices behind success – What it really takes to reach the top in a highly competitive field.
• Lessons from elite-level training – How discipline, structure, and passion create a winning formula.
• Advice for dreamers and goal-setters – Vincent’s words of wisdom for those striving to achieve greatness.

WHY IS THIS EPISODE WITH VINCENT ZHOU A MUST-LISTEN?

Vincent Zhou’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and self-belief. Whether you’re an athlete, entrepreneur, or someone chasing ambitious goals, his insights will inspire you to embrace challenges, stay focused on your mission, and develop the mindset of a true champion.

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The Quadruple Lutz: Vincent Zhou’s Daring Feat on Ice

Olympic Medallist Vincent Zhou talked about one of the most defining elements of his skating career—the quadruple Lutz. This gravity-defying jump, one of the most difficult in figure skating, requires extraordinary technical precision, explosive power, and unwavering mental focus. Vincent is among the elite few who have successfully executed this move at the highest level of competition, cementing his reputation as a trailblazer in the sport.

During the conversation, Vincent shared the relentless dedication it took to master the quad Lutz. He described the countless hours of training, the frustration of failed attempts, and the intense mental fortitude required to push through the setbacks. The physical demands alone are staggering—launching into the air, rotating four times in a fraction of a second, and landing with absolute control demands peak athleticism. But beyond the mechanics, Vincent emphasized the mindset that separates those who attempt greatness from those who achieve it.

He recalled the moment he landed the quad Lutz in competition, a moment that not only showcased his technical prowess but also symbolized years of sacrifice and perseverance. It was a testament to his belief that success isn’t just about talent—it’s about grit, resilience, and the willingness to push beyond perceived limits.

For Vincent, the quad Lutz is more than just a jump—it’s a metaphor for chasing ambitious goals, embracing discomfort, and defying expectations. His journey serves as an inspiration for anyone striving to break barriers in their own lives, proving that with enough passion and perseverance, even the most daunting challenges can be conquered.

Inside the ICL: How Kirk Spahn and Vincent Zhou Are Shaping the Leaders of Tomorrow

During this inspiring Passion Struck interview, Vincent Zhou shared how the Institute for Civic Leadership (ICL) has played a crucial role in his growth beyond the ice rink. Founded by Kirk Spahn, the ICL is dedicated to empowering young leaders with the mindset, skills, and confidence to drive meaningful change in their communities and the world.

For Vincent, the connection with Kirk Spahn and the ICL wasn’t just about leadership—it was about finding a community that shared his drive for excellence. As an Olympic athlete, Vincent has spent years mastering his craft through discipline and perseverance, but what he discovered through the ICL was something even more profound: the ability to channel his experiences into inspiring and mentoring others.

Kirk Spahn, a visionary educator and mentor, immediately recognized Vincent’s unique perspective as a high-performance athlete. Through their conversations, Kirk helped Vincent see that the principles that made him an elite competitor—grit, resilience, and relentless ambition—are the same principles that shape great leaders in any field. Their relationship evolved into a powerful exchange of ideas, where Vincent learned to apply his Olympic mindset beyond competition and into the world of leadership, education, and personal development.

The ICL isn’t just about leadership in theory—it’s about real-world impact. Through its programs, young changemakers gain hands-on experience in problem-solving, communication, and civic engagement, learning how to make a tangible difference in their communities. For Vincent, this mission resonated deeply. He has experienced firsthand the power of mentorship and now sees himself as someone who can pass down lessons of perseverance and self-belief to the next generation.

This episode of Passion Struck highlights how the ICL, under Kirk Spahn’s guidance, is shaping the next wave of leaders, athletes, entrepreneurs, and visionaries—proving that success isn’t just about personal achievement, but about lifting others and creating a legacy of impact.

THANKS, VINCENT ZHOU

If you enjoyed this interview with Vincent Zhou, let him know by clicking on the link below and sending him a quick shout on Instagram

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RESOURCES FROM THE SHOW WITH VINCENT ZHOU

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Follow Vincent Zhou:

2. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/govincentzhou/
3. Twitter: https://twitter.com/govincentzhou

Learn More About the Institute for Civic Leadership (ICL):

My solo episode on Fading into Insignificance: The Impact of Un-Mattering in Our Interconnected Era

Catch My Episode with Jennifer B. Wallace on the Consequences of Prioritizing Achievements Over Mattering

Can’t miss my episode with Arthur C. Brooks on Finding Success, Happiness, and Purpose

Listen to my interview with Robin Sharma on the 8 Forms of Wealth That Determine Success

Check My solo episode on Why We All Crave To Matter: Exploring The Power Of Mattering.

About Today’s Guest, Vincent Zhou

Vincent Zhou is an Olympic figure skater, world-class competitor, and a trailblazer in the sport known for his technical mastery and artistic expression. As a U.S. Olympian and World Championship medalist, he made history as the first figure skater to land a quadruple Lutz at the Winter Olympics. His journey to success has been defined by relentless perseverance, overcoming setbacks, and an unshakable commitment to his craft.

Beyond the ice, Vincent is passionate about personal growth, leadership, and mentorship. He has been actively involved with the Institute for Civic Leadership (ICL), where he collaborates with visionary educator Kirk Spahn to inspire and empower young leaders. Through his experiences, Vincent has learned that the same resilience and discipline that fuel athletic success can be applied to life’s biggest challenges.

A strong advocate for mental fortitude and intentional living, Vincent continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible—both in sports and beyond. His story is one of grit, ambition, and the pursuit of excellence, making him a role model for aspiring athletes and leaders alike.

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