Full Speed, Clear Mind: Mia Manganello on presence Headed into Her Third Olympics

As the road to the Winter Games tightens, pressure has a way of getting louder. Results feel heavier. Timelines feel shorter. And for many athletes, confidence starts to feel conditional—earned only if the outcome goes their way.

For Mia Manganello, confidence looks different.

Now headed to her third Olympic Games, Mia isn’t chasing confidence but has found it within. In a candid conversation with Back The Team, she shared that this mindset didn’t come from lowering expectations, but from redefining success altogether.

Three Olympics, Three Mindsets

Each Olympic cycle has asked something different of Mia.

Her first Games were defined by nerves and uncertainty: external factors, illness, and the sheer weight of the moment. The second came with more confidence, but still plenty of jitters.

This time around feels different.

“This one is by far the smoothest and the most relaxed,” she shared. “My biggest mindset focus this past year has been to be present.”

One Lap at a Time

In a sport as fast-paced and tactical as speed skating, presence is practical.

Mia shared that she always thinks about bringing her focus back to the immediate moment: one lap, one corner, one decision at a time. Not thinking ahead. Not replaying mistakes. Just presence.

That mindset didn’t stay confined to the ice.

Her nutritionist introduced a simple habit: every time you walk through a doorway, take a breath.

“It sounds small,” Mia said, “but it really resonated with me. We move through the day so quickly that we don’t even realize it.”

Presence became a lifestyle, not just a performance tool. And with it came something unexpected: enjoyment.

“This whole process has become way more enjoyable,” she said. “And that’s something I’ll carry for the rest of my life.”

Calm Is a Competitive Choice

Mia is quick to point out that confidence doesn’t look the same for everyone. Some athletes thrive on adrenaline and edge. She’s the opposite.

“I like to be calm. I like to be at peace. I like to see everything and relax in it.”

That calm quiets the jitters. It keeps her from spiraling into how her legs feel or what might happen next. It allows her to trust muscle memory, and herself.

Confidence, for Mia, isn’t about intensity. It’s about clarity.

Letting Go of the Podium

For most of her career, Mia believed success meant one thing: the podium. This year, when she truly leaned into presence, into enjoying the process, and honoring what she’s already accomplished….something clicked.

“It took a lot of weight and pressure off myself,” she said. “I enjoyed skating more. I enjoyed training more.”

And then, the line that defines her mindset heading into 2026:

“I don’t care what the result is at the Olympics. If it’s a medal—great. Absolutely phenomenal. But I’m happy with how it’s been.”

This isn’t giving up ambition. It’s protecting joy.

“I don’t want to waste enjoying the present by worrying about the future. What will come will come, and I’m going to enjoy getting there.”

As we kickstart 2026 with confidence, Mia’s story of steady, grounded composure offers a powerful reminder for athletes at every level.

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