From El Capitan to Everyday Triumphs: Steve Bate’s Journey from Medals to Meaning

The Alchemy Pod with Karen Darke

Welcome to The Alchemy Pod — turning the unimaginable into reality. Join Adventurer, Paralympic Champion, Global Speaker, Author, Transformational Coach, and Mindset Architect – Karen Darke – as she hosts inspiring conversations with elite performers. In this episode, Karen leads a conversation with Steve Bate, a fellow cyclist, gold medalist, and longtime friend, about qualifying for the Paris Olympiad.

Steve Bate, the first visually impaired person to solo climb El Capitan, has garnered numerous medals in the Paralympics and World Cups over the past 12 years, holds an MBE, and (as of this recording) is preparing for the 2024 Paris Paralympics. However, this episode dives into his unique perspective on the accomplishments of everyday tasks and updated reasons to push for gold in 2024.

As the conversation unfolds, Steve reflects on his impressive cycling career, mentioning how, at 46, he achieved his fastest time in the four-kilometer pursuit, highlighting that improvement is possible at any age, even in elite sports. He talks about the expectations of being a gold medalist and the reality that athletes lose more often than they win, but the passion for the sport keeps them coming back.

Steve opens up about his eye diagnosis and how it changed his life, discussing the slow deterioration of his eyesight and the realization that he needed to ask for help. This vulnerability led him to be more empathetic toward others facing similar life-altering challenges. He shares how this diagnosis influenced his decision-making, including a significant solo climb, where he grappled with fear but chose to try, despite significant peril, feeling he would regret not making the attempt. This experience was pivotal in proving to himself that he could still pursue his passions despite his condition.

Later, Steve and Karen discuss the deeper themes of identity and purpose. Karen reflects on her own experiences, including her Olympic journey, where the process, rather than the outcome, was her main motivation. They explore how personal challenges, such as Karen's paralysis, force a reevaluation of one’s identity beyond physical abilities and achievements.

As the episode wraps up, they discuss finding joy in overcoming daily challenges, whether big or small. Steve and Karen emphasize that the scale of the challenge doesn't matter; it's about the process of trying, overcoming, learning, and achieving both small and large victories.

"The whole purpose of this life is to learn as much as we can about ourselves... That's the key. The more you understand about yourself, the more you can offer yourself to other people."

Timestamps:

0:46 – Host Karen Darke introduces today's guest, Steve.

1:46 – Steve reflects on achieving his fastest time at 46 and the possibility of improvement with age.

3:13 – The reality of winning and the pressure of expectations as a gold medalist.

9:02 – Steve opens up about his eye diagnosis and the impact on his life and mindset.

16:43 – Embracing challenges: Steve's mindset during a significant solo climb.

17:44 – Redefining identity through adversity and the impact of Steve's eye diagnosis.

19:15 – Karen reflects on her friendship with Steve and the shared love of adventure.

28:24 – Exploring the theme of identity and how personal challenges redefine it.

43:15 – Finding joy in overcoming daily challenges and the importance of the process.

Links:

Connect with Karen and the Alchemy Pod on Instagram.

Learn more about The Alchemy Pod here.

Keywords:

Cycling, elite sport, gold medalist, vulnerability, empathy, solo climb, adventure, identity, purpose, Paralympic journey, Retinitis pigmentosa, daily challenges, process over outcome, overcoming obstacles, personal growth, transformation

BLIMP and Thruhike Studios present

The Alchemy Pod with Karen Darke

Hosted by:

Karen Darke

Produced by:

Katherine van Hengel

Erica Mellon

Ian Morland

Karen Darke

Original Songs by:

Lucas William Gardner

Mixed & Edited by:

Ian Morland

Developed in association with:

Zach Carver

Liv von Oelreich

Untethered Productions