Mary Cain Is Fixing Women's Sports | Rich Roll Podcast

Mentorship

Mary Cain emphasizes the transformative power of mentorship in her athletic journey. She reflects on her friendship with Alexi Pappas, who provided guidance and support during challenging times. This relationship taught Mary the importance of offering mentorship to younger athletes, ensuring they feel included and supported in the competitive world 1. Mary shares, "I think for me, as a very young athlete, one thing that's always a little awkward...you kind of expect everybody to welcome you with open arms because you're like, I'm twelve, this is fun. Everybody's going to be my friend."

And the truth is, you're often met with a lot of negativity, especially within the competitive space.

--- Mary Cain

Her experiences have inspired her to create a supportive environment for the next generation of athletes 2.

   

Community

Building a strong community is central to Mary Cain's vision for the future of sports. She highlights the inclusive running culture in New York, where athletes of all levels are welcomed without judgment 3. Mary, who holds multiple roles including New York City Community Manager for Tracksmith, believes that fostering a sense of belonging is crucial for athletes' growth.

If you run, you're a runner, and elsewhere it can get a little bit more. Maybe people kind of hedge and they're Nike, maybe not good enough to be on that team.

--- Mary Cain

She also discusses the need for systemic change within organizations like Nike, advocating for transparency and accountability to create a healthier sporting environment 4.