This interview is part of the Real Talk Real Women interview series, where we bring you the life-changing, heart-warming and inspirational stories behind the most successful women in health and fitness. Make sure to follow us on Instagram for the latest interviews! For this installment, we are joined by Lindsay Tarpley.
Let’s start off with a general introduction. How would you describe yourself.
Hi! My name is Lindsay Tarpley and I am a two-time Olympic Gold Medalist in soccer originally from Kalamazoo, MI. I was forced to hang up my cleats due to an injury, but am now in a new role as a co-founder of Sweat Cosmetics.
Sweat Cosmetics is working hard to bridge the gap between beauty and fitness by offering convenient SPF products that help women live an active lifestyle. I have always enjoyed setting goals and working hard to try and accomplish them. That helped me achieve my dreams in soccer and now I’m carrying it into the business world with Sweat Cosmetics.
What are you all about and how did you get involved in soccer?
I value setting goals, working hard and doing my personal best. Throughout my soccer career, I always pushed myself and wanted to make sure I did everything possible to be the best I could be. Now being part of Sweat Cosmetics, I enjoy being part of a hard working team who is trying to bridge the gap between beauty and fitness. I got involved with soccer because I had an older brother that played and I enjoyed going to his practices and learning the game.
You’ve always loved soccer haven’t you? You loved doing it, practicing, competing? How important do you feel it is to do something you love in your life? What advice can you give around that?
I think it is very important to find what you’re passionate about and go after it with everything you have. During my soccer career, I never wanted to live with any “what if’s”. I worked hard to make sure I didn’t have regrets and I was fortunate to win two Gold Medals along the way.
Now, I've found a new passion in getting to work with a group of women who are setting out to create products that provide solutions for the active woman. No matter what your passion, my advice in life is to always give 110% to what you've committed to.
Tell me about your experience winning Olympic gold twice, what was it like and how were the two Olympic Games (2004 Athens and 2008 Beijing) different?
It was an incredible experience being part of Athens and Beijing Olympics. Most memorable to me was being able to represent the United States of America...it was a feeling of pride I will never forget.
In Athens, I was one of the youngest players on our team so I really enjoyed experiencing everything for the first time. In Beijing, I had a better understanding of how to handle the magnitude of being at the Olympics and representing my country. Both experiences are very special to me.
What accomplishment are you most proud of and why?
I am very proud of winning two gold medals and the journey to being part of those special teams.
Throughout your career, how have you dealt with injuries? I know the 2011 match against Japan in particular was a difficult setback for you. What advice can you give others around this topic?
Unfortunately, injuries are part of the game and they are never easy. That injury in 2011 was the last time I ever stepped on a soccer field. At the time, I didn’t realize the magnitude of my injury and, unfortunately, am still dealing with it today. Injuries are never easy, but I do believe I’ve learned a lot going through them.
You also played varsity basketball for Portage Central - why did you decide to go for soccer in the end?
Soccer was always my favorite sport. Even though I enjoyed playing basketball, I always knew that soccer was the sport I wanted to try and excel at. I'm so glad I followed my heart and pursued it as a career.
What’s your perspective on the importance of self-care?
I always feel better when I prioritize myself. I am a stronger, healthier person when I make time for the things that make me happy. As an athlete we also learn how important it is to take care of ourselves. At Sweat, part of our mission is to be encouraging women to do everything that makes them feel good and feel confident.
As a mother, wife and co-founder - what do you do to maintain balance in your life? If you could only choose one thing, what would you tell your younger self? What are your biggest life goals?
It has always been important for me to follow my passion and work hard to try and accomplish my goals. I find balance being inspired through Sweat Cosmetics and my family. Being part of a company who encourages women to be active and protect their skin inspires me to continue working hard.
My life goal is to continue focusing on the things I am passionate about and helping others. Sweat has afforded me the opportunity to do both of these things and I am excited to see Sweat Cosmetics continue to grow and inspire women.
Where can people go to learn more about you online?
You can stay up to date by following me on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook as well as my website and Sweat Cosmetics.
Stay tuned for the next interview of Real Talk Real Women!