Price You Pay Podcast | Season 3 Episode 5

What does it truly cost to chase Olympic dreams? For water polo star Tenealle Fasala, the price has been devastating—twice being cut from Olympic teams, including watching from the sidelines as the squad she helped prepare won silver at the Paris Games without her.

Tenealle's journey defies the glossy highlight reels we typically associate with elite sport. Born into a swimming dynasty (her father an Olympian, mother a world-class swimmer), she instead chose the physically brutal world of water polo at age 11. Her natural strength and throwing ability quickly marked her as special, earning her spots on state and national teams by her teens.

The raw emotion in Tenealle's voice is palpable as she recounts the crushing disappointment of missing Olympic selection—not once, but twice. What sets her story apart is what happened after each setback. Rather than retreating, she channelled her heartbreak into improving her game, even accepting the painful role of reserve for Paris, training alongside the team knowing she wouldn't compete. When that team went on to win silver, her mixed emotions of pride for her teammates and personal devastation reveal the complex psychological terrain elite athletes must navigate.

Beyond emotional resilience, the financial reality of her journey is sobering. Working four days a week while maintaining an elite training schedule, studying nursing, and living on tuna and rice, Tenealle exemplifies the sacrifices required when passion outweighs practicality. Her mother reveals spending years repaying loans just to fund junior competitions, a stark reminder that athletic talent alone isn't enough—financial backing is equally crucial.

Now focused on LA 2028 with a transformed mindset, Tenealle is no longer driven by fear of failure but by authentic self-expression. "Sport is a big part of my life, but it's not who I am," she reflects, demonstrating wisdom beyond her years. Her journey continues, but the lessons in resilience she's already revealed remain invaluable for anyone facing setbacks on the path to their goals.

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