05/20/2026
London 2012 may have broken many runners, but for Shannon Rowbury, it lit a fire that never went out.
As an Olympic runner in what is now known as one of the most controversial women’s 1500-meter finals of all time, Shannon refused to let that race define her. Instead, she used it as fuel, building a future that extends far beyond the track and field and into a legacy her children can be proud of. Today, Rowbury is an author, speaker, entrepreneur, sports commentator, and coach who believes there are no limits to what’s possible. Alongside her husband, she co-founded the Imagining More Foundation and running camp, helping the next generation of athletes reimagine their competitive mindset.
After co-authoring two books, building community in sport, and teaching leadership and team strategy in the corporate and educational world, Shannon had come to accept that the chance for a fair 2012 Olympic outcome had already passed.
Then came the news: she will be awarded a medal at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles for her performance at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Sometimes, even years later, truth finds its way forward, and what was always deserved becomes a full-circle moment. Between now and the 2028 games, Shannon is determined to write her story through her own memoir and create a documentary alongside other creatives and fellow runners. We cannot wait to see where these next few years take her!
In this episode of the Step Out of Line Podcast, “This Medalist’s Mindset,” we explore the marathon mindset, motherhood, and the athletic journey, the importance of storytelling and sharing our truths, and more.
🎙Full podcast interview available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, YouTube, and Amazon Music. Be sure to check it out!
