The 3x Olympian’s journey from debilitating pressure to a mission of emotional resilience for the next generation.
For much of her life, Hazel Clark lived with debilitating performance anxiety—long before she ever stepped onto an Olympic track. Growing up in a highly visible family, the weight of expectation felt overwhelming. As a result, Hazel avoided track and field until later than most elite athletes, unsure if she could manage the pressure that came with performance and comparison. Even after discovering her talent and rising to the highest levels of sport, the anxiety never fully disappeared. Throughout her athletic career, performance anxiety often threatened to overshadow her success—robbing her of the joy that should have accompanied national titles and Olympic moments. There were times when it nearly caused her to walk away altogether.
Hazel understands firsthand that talent alone is not enough. Without the right tools, language, and support, fear and self‑doubt can quietly limit potential long before ability ever does. Through her programs and storytelling, Hazel helps children:
Inspired by her own journey and her role as a mother, Hazel Takes the First Step is a children’s book that introduces young readers to the power of courage, self‑belief, and trying something new—even when it feels scary.
The story creates space for meaningful conversations about fear, confidence, and growth, helping children name emotions they may not yet have the language to express.
If you’re looking for a speaker who can inspire action, connect authentically, and leave a lasting impression, Hazel Clark brings the voice of an Olympian, the insight of a TEDx Speaker, and the relatability of someone who has faced fear—and kept moving forward.
