Olympic gold medalists Moshaumi Robinson and LaShawn Merritt, along with Alicia Marinelli from Living Sport, were interviewed by Roy Kessel of the Sports Philanthropy Network at Super Bowl 59’s Radio Row in New Orleans. They discussed their roles as ambassadors for Living Sport, a program that helps young professionals gain experience in the sports industry. The guests emphasized the importance of servant leadership, building confidence, and the impact of mentorship in shaping future sports professionals.
Alicia Marinelli
Alicia Marinelli is a passionate and innovative sport business professional with over 15 years of experience in marketing, sales, and event management. She is the Founder and CEO of Living Sport LLC, a women-owned small business that provides international and domestic sport business experiences for students and young professionals looking for a unique and life-inspiring opportunity in the sport industry.
With Living Sport, Alicia has created and led the International Sport Business Program, a reimagined sport study abroad program that uses sport as a catalyst to explore the world and to inspire personal and professional growth.
She has also launched the Living Sport Podcast, a platform to help aspiring sport professionals find a career in the industry, and to provide an inside look into the global sport landscape.
Additionally, she has leveraged her expertise in event promotion and sponsorship development to produce and co-host events that enrich the quality of life for the local community and attract tourism to host cities.
Alicia is a visionary leader who aims to empower, educate, and entertain through sport.
Moushaumi Robinson
Moushaumi Robinson is an American track and field athlete. She represented the United States at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, where she won a gold medal in the 4 × 400 metres relay for her contributions in the preliminary round.
Competing for the Texas Longhorns women’s track and field team, Robinson won the 2003 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships in the 4 × 400 m.
LaShawn Merritt
LaShawn Merritt is a retired American track and field athlete who competed in sprinting events, specializing in the 400 metres. He is a former Olympicchampion over the distance and his personal best of 43.65 seconds makes him the eleventh fastest of all time.
Merritt was a successful junior athlete and won the 400 m gold at the 2004 World Junior Championships in Athletics, as well as setting two world junior records in the relays. He became part of the American 4×400 meter relay team and helped win the event at the 2006 IAAF World Indoor Championships. He established himself individually in 2007 by winning a silver medal in the 400 m at the 2007 World Championships.
He came out on top of a rivalry with Jeremy Wariner in 2008 by winning in the 2008 Olympic final in a personal best time, and by a record margin of 0.99 secs. He also broke the Olympic record in the relay with the American team, recording the second fastest time ever. Merritt established himself as the World Champion with a win at the 2009 World Championships in Athletics in the 400 m and the 4×400 m relay.
LIVING SPORT
Living Sport’s International Sport Business (ISB) Program was created to give passionate sport professionals, recent graduates, and current students an edge over the thousands of job seekers looking to score a gig in sports. Stemming from the popularity of edutainment experiences, Living Sport is a reimagined sport study abroad program that gives young adults the chance to receive international work experience and to explore other countries through sport.
The ISB Program is led by professionals who have immense experience in the sport industry, and mentoring young professionals. Program participants will interact with sports business professionals creating a lasting network that extends far beyond the program.
WATCH THE INTERVIEW HERE
- [00:00] Introduction & Welcome – Roy Kessel introduces the guests and the purpose of the interview at Super Bowl 59’s Radio Row.
- [00:40] Guest Introductions – Alicia Marinelli introduces Olympians Moshaumi Robinson and LaShawn Merritt and explains their role as Living Sport ambassadors.
- [01:42] Mission of Living Sport – Marinelli describes how Living Sport helps young professionals gain experience and confidence in the sports industry.
- [02:39] Importance of Servant Leadership – Robinson discusses the value of giving back, mentorship, and how leadership through service builds character.
5. [04:00] The Merit Mindset – Merritt shares his personal formula for success, emphasizing discipline, accountability, and aligning with purpose.
- [05:15] Developing a Champion’s Mindset – Merritt and Robinson reflect on the role of upbringing, discipline, and mental focus in their athletic careers.
- [06:56] The Power of Knowing Your ‘Why’ – Robinson explains the importance of defining personal motivation and setting deep-rooted goals.
- [08:48] Founding of Living Sport – Marinelli shares how her career in sports inspired her to create a program that provides young people with real-world sports business experience.
- [11:25] Why the Olympians Chose Living Sport – Robinson and Merritt discuss why they partnered with Living Sport, highlighting its impact on young professionals.
10. [17:28] Closing Thoughts on Service & Giving Back – The guests emphasize their commitment to mentorship and transforming lives through sports, followed by a closing message from Roy Kessel.
