Exposing Nike’s Dark Side (Oregon Project)

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Scott D. Clary
Scott D. Clary
2 min readAug 5, 2024

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A new Success Story podcast episode just dropped featuring Kara Goucher, Olympian and Author.

Kara Goucher’s story is a rollercoaster.

She exposed the dark underbelly of Nike’s Oregon Project, revealing a world riddled with abuse, doping, and misogyny.

This isn’t just another sports scandal; it’s a testament to the raw power of resilience, unwavering integrity, and the relentless pursuit of justice.

Here’s the breakdown:

  • Olympic Dreams and Challenges: Kara’s journey began with dreams of Olympic glory. Competing wasn’t about the medals; it was about representing her country and personal pride.
  • Facing Abuse and Misogyny: Within the Oregon Project, Kara endured a toxic environment. Emotional and physical abuse were rampant, with her coach Alberto Salazar at the center of the storm. Instead of support, she found herself in a culture that prioritized performance over athlete well-being.
  • Whistleblowing and Advocacy: Kara took a courageous stand against the doping and abusive practices within the Oregon Project. Her whistleblowing efforts led to Salazar’s suspension and highlighted the need for stringent anti-doping measures and athlete protection.
  • Identity Crisis and Mental Health: After leaving her career, Kara faced a significant identity crisis. The psychological toll of exiting a high-stakes career, especially under such negative circumstances, was immense. She grappled with feelings of losing what made her special.
  • Empowering Others: Kara’s journey is about more than her own struggles and triumphs; it’s about empowering others to speak out. She encourages survivors to share their stories, recognizing the collective power in their voices to drive change.

Kara’s story is a raw and unfiltered testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It’s a reminder that even in the face of adversity, one can find strength, redefine their identity, and make a significant impact in changing the sports world for the better.

If you want to listen to the full podcast, check it out on successstorypodcast.com or on YouTube.

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Scott D. Clary
Scott D. Clary

👋 scottdclary.com | Host @ Success Story Podcast 🎙️ | I write a newsletter to 321,000 people 👉 newsletter.scottdclary.com