Olivia Vivian Interview
I’ve fallen, failed, and fought my way back — and that’s where the real strength lies.
Q. You’ve worn many hats—Olympian, World Champion, investor, and creator. When you look back, what was the turning point that made you believe you could excel beyond sport?
The turning point for me was in 2013 when I was laying on the couch with a broken back. My mother, one of my greatest role models, suggested I open up a cafe. I studied New Media in University and had no idea how to make a coffee or cook a poached egg, but by borrowing off her encouragement and belief, I recovered in time to compete in one more gymnastics World Championships, secure a Commonwealth Games Silver Medal and open up a cafe named the Leaky Tap in honour of my late Father who was a plumber.
I think incredible things come when we step outside our comfort zones and that decision to build a business with purpose and meaning, solidified the idea that anything was possible with self-belief, focused determination and ability to adapt on the pursuit of your goals.
Q. Gymnastics demands discipline, resilience, and creativity. Which of those qualities has translated most seamlessly into your work as an investor and entrepreneur?
Great question. I think all three play a part but I would say discipline takes the cake. With modern day technology, it’s easier for us to gain the knowledge and insight into what needs to be done - but it’s the daily practice of showing up even when it’s tough that keeps momentum moving forward.
“Easier said than done” is a quote that rings so true, but it’s the consistent action that makes a difference and I’m very grateful for the daily discipline gymnastics taught me.
Q. Your motto, 'L!V TRUE, Be YOU,' resonates with authenticity. Was there a moment in your career whereliving true to yourself came at the cost of expectations from others?
I think for the better part of my elite career I was doing everything I could to try to live up to the expectations of others. My parents, my coaches and our national sporting body. I was bullied for having red hair and tried to dye it every other colour to escape the torment.
I was shamed a lot for being the unlikely stereotype for a gymnast and to top it off, I had ‘media training’ on what not to say to reporters during the gruelling Olympic campaign as a teenager. I found the pressure of exceptions so intense I developed severe anxiety and it wasn’t until much later in my Ninja Career that I created the Motto L!V TRUE, Be YOU.
I discovered that giving myself permission to be me, helped relieve a lot of that unnecessary anxiety and shame that was holding me back. I also found that by being myself, in all forms, gave others the courage and comfortably to be who they are.
Q. Competing at the world stage is one thing, but inspiring millions online is another. How do you approach storytelling differently when it’s for a global audience outside the arena?
I love sharing and inspiring others. I wasn’t always the best at showing the tough times, or mistakes because gymnastics was driven towards perfection and I was ashamed of my errors. But whether it’s to a class of high schoolers, boardroom of CEOs or a function with thousands of attendees I do my best to be open, transparent and real.
I believe that pulling back the curtain and revealing the unsexy truths helps us all acknowledge that failure is key on the path to success.
Q. Athletes often face the challenge of identity after sport. How did you navigate the transition from competition to building a multi-dimensional career?
I’ve faced this challenge numerous times now. Elite gymnast, to buisness owner, to Ninja Warrior and now… *insert epic, creative cool title here* haha. Honestly it’s tough. I’ve been so goal driven my whole life that when I find myself without a big goal, I feel lost and without purpose.
Personally I hate change but when I feel a little unsure or lost, I reach out to mentors, coaches, friends and people I trust for help and guidance. At this stage I’m well aware that it’s not always about the goal, but about the person you become chasing it - so no matter what direction I’m moving towards, I try to check in to make sure I’m staying grounded, true and of course having fun along the way!
Q. You’ve broken stereotypes by proving life after gymnastics is not just possible but powerful. What’s one misconception about athletes’ 'second acts' you’d like to challenge?
There’s no second act - life isn’t a practice run in my opinion, we’ve got one go at our time here on earth so “why not!”
Sport teaches us about resilience, teamwork, goal setting and movement - there’s some really great qualities that ‘athletes’ develop that transition into other areas of life - but I believe we are all athletes of life - doing our best for ourselves and the team around us.
Q. You’ve become a role model for resilience and reinvention. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received that still anchors you today?
Growing up I was fortunate to have a mother and family who invested in my dreams. When experts placed thier doubt on me, she believed I was capable of anything I set my mind too and I drew strength from that. She passed down the quote “feel the fear, and do it anyway” which helped give me the courage to acknowledge the hesitation but go for it anyway.
Very recently I heard one of my mentors Aaron Sansoni speak the words “Don’t just give your best to those who pay you, and the rest to those who love you.” That line hit me to my core as I was often giving all my energy to my work, my followers, my contract, and leaving what was leftover to my family and myself. It woke me up in a way to make some changes and ever since I’ve been operating on a different level of energy and I’m very grateful for that piece of advice.
Q. And a fun one—if your life were a gymnastics routine right now, what would you name it and what song would it be set to?
I’d name it my other motto “Life’s Better Upside Down” and it would be set to ‘Golden’ - from the K-Pop Demon Hunters Netflix film.
Bio:
Olivia Vivian’s journey from adversity to world-class achievement is a testament to her resilience, determination, and pursuit of excellence. Born with congenital diaphragmatic hernia – a life-threatening condition – Olivia was never expected to thrive in sports. Yet, she transformed those early odds into a lifelong passion for redefining what’s possible.
Overcoming challenges that included being deemed 'too tall' for gymnastics and & 'too old' for Olympic competition, Olivia proved her doubters wrong at every turn. Representing Australia at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Olivia earned seven national gymnastics titles and played a pivotal role in elevating Australian gymnastics standards. She also made history on CH9’s Australian Ninja Warrior, becoming the first woman worldwide to outperform all male competitors to reach the semifinals.
Her accolades include four Guinness World Records, a silver medal at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, and the distinction of being a trailblazer in both gymnastics and obstacle sports. These milestones, however, only scratch the surface of Olivia’s story. Behind the scenes, she faced immense personal trials – from losing her father to melanoma, enduring toxic sports environments, and recovering from a broken back. But through it all, she’s emerged stronger, inspiring others with her tenacity and unapologetic authenticity.
Olivia now channels her energy into coaching, mentoring, and motivational speaking, championing a mission to ‘Entertain, Educate, and Empower.’ With sharp insights and a fearless approach to life, she challenges individuals and organisations to dream bigger, train smarter, and live more boldly. Her ethos – centred on excellence, authenticity, and resilience – serves as a powerful reminder that setbacks are stepping stones to greatness.
Olivia’s story is more than a narrative of triumph; it’s a powerful reminder that every obstacle is an opportunity to rewrite the rules – and that success is always within reach for those bold enough to pursue it. And her message is clear: “If I can do it, so can you.” And she means it!
Interviewed by - Divya Darshni
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