Second place, silver medal, best of the rest. The sports world seems obsessed with differentiating performances that are, to the hundredth of a second, incredibly similar. We explore the unique mindset of aiming for gold, why second is proven to be the least satisfying podium finish, and how expecting the best of athletes is different from expecting first place. 

Hear Ryan Murphy’s take on golden expectations, both external and self-imposed; understand the psychology at play with Dr. Mike Gervais of the Finding Mastery podcast; and relive how McKayla Maroney’s disappointment with silver became the most viral photo of 2012.

Listen to the episode below and make sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes will be released weekly ahead of the Tokyo Olympics, followed by daily episodes throughout the duration of the Games.