Aisyah Rafaee - 2x Olympic Rower on Comebacks, Mental Strength & Redefining High Performance in Your 30s

In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we're joined by Aisyah Rafaee – a two-time Olympic rower from Singapore who competed at the Rio 2016 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games in the single scull. After taking an eight-year break from the sport, Aisyah made the bold decision to return—qualifying for Paris 2024 as one of the oldest athletes in the field and redefining what it means to be a high-performing athlete in your 30s. Originally from Singapore and now based in Boston, USA, Aisyah grew up with four brothers and discovered rowing after being scouted during an indoor competition at school. With limited rowing culture and opportunities in Singapore, she carved her own path—training overseas in Sydney, qualifying through a fiercely competitive Asian selection process, and representing Singapore on the world stage. But her journey hasn't been linear. From struggling with pressure at her first Olympics to working with mental skills coach Hansen Bay, from stepping away from elite sport to rediscovering her love for movement, from fracturing her ribs a month before Paris to qualifying with just six months to go—this is a powerful conversation about identity, resilience, vulnerability, and growth. Now working as a HYDROW Athlete and Mental Performance Coach with 3HP Athlete Coaching, Aisyah shares insights on: Building confidence and resilience Letting go of expectations Separating identity from performance The realities of returning to elite sport after time away Training and mindset during pregnancy Why rowing is a lifelong sport Her philosophy of the 3Hs: Happy, Healthy & High Performing This episode is about trusting your timing, embracing new chapters, and asking yourself: Is this smart for me? Aisyah's story is proof that it's never "too late" to chase a dream — and that high performance can evolve with you. ***  New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.  Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x *** Show notes Who is Aisyah Being based in Boston, USA Originally from Singapore  Working as a HYDROW Athlete  Working as a Mental Performance Coach 3HP Athlete Coaching  2x Olympic rower in the single sculll Competing at the 2016 and 2024 Olympics  Learning to live a normal life outside of sports  Growing up in Singapore with 4 brothers 3 older brothers and 1 younger brother Being sporty and learning to be competitive  Living a simple life and being raised by her mum after her parents got divorced Not knowing where her mindset comes from Wanting to be the best version of herself  Not being surrounded by high performance individuals  Starting rowing, Singapore not having much of a rowing culture  Getting scouted at her secondary school during an indoor rowing competition  Singapore Rowing Association The importance of hight in rowing  5'8 (173cm)and being tall for an Asian Woman  Learning how to row on land with the ergo  The challenges and continuing to show u to training  Not enjoying it at first Getting out on the water and spending mor