80: Michèle Letendre – The Woman Who Coaches some of the Fittest People on Earth

In this Episode

“Learning new things is probably the most important thing anyone with confidence issues should do.”

This is a quote from today’s guest, Michèle Letendre, six-time CrossFit games athlete and coach of some of the fittest people on earth.

Michele owns Deka Comp where she coaches amateur and elite athletes alike, including Patrick Vellner, who was recently crowned the 2nd “Fittest Man on Earth” at the 2023 CrossFit games.

As Michele discusses, the concept of the “fittest on earth” is rooted in the CrossFit methodology, which emphasizes performing well across various tests, rather than specializing in one specific area.

Today, she and Sara discuss:

• Michele’s personal transition from water polo player to competitive CrossFit athlete
• Types of negative experiences or pushback she has received as a woman in coaching
• Qualities she sees in performance-minded athletes
• The Importance of intrinsic motivation in the pursuit of excellence
• Qualities of good and bad coaches
• How she learns from her athlete’s feedback
• The massive progression and growth of women in CrossFit
• Building confidence through weightlifting and learning new skills

Strength training can boost confidence by making you feel good about yourself and giving you a sense of accomplishment.

Needless to say, coaching in this arena requires competence, confidence, and creativity and Michele Letendre thrives on all three.

Learn more at: https://www.dekacomp.com/

Follow Michele on Instagram: @dekacomp