#115 – What if life’s unexpected twists could lead you to newfound passions and a brighter future? This is the central theme of Briana Medvecki’s incredible story, as she transforms from an elite gymnast to a collegiate diver. In this episode of Journey with Jake, we explore Briana’s journey of resilience, self-discovery, and personal growth. Her experiences serve as a powerful reminder that how we feel about ourselves is more important than how we look.
Briana’s athletic career began at the tender age of two and a half years old, when she started flipping on a mat. Her early years were dedicated to the intense world of gymnastics, where she trained rigorously to achieve her dreams. However, a career-ending ACL injury forced her to quit the sport she loved. Despite this devastating setback, Briana’s story is one of perseverance. She transitioned to collegiate diving at Cal Poly University, embracing the changes that reshaped her self-perception and confidence.
The journey from gymnastics to diving was not a straightforward one. Briana faced numerous injuries, relocations across California, and even switched her major from engineering to city and regional planning. Her path led her from being a Division II athlete at Azusa Pacific University to competing at a Division I level at Cal Poly. Throughout these challenges, Briana remained steadfast in pursuing her dreams, whether it was acro and tumbling, pole vaulting, or finally finding her footing in diving.
Now looking forward to being a transportation planner for Caltrans, Briana reflects on her journey and highlights the importance of adaptability and passion in driving success in both sports and professional endeavors. Her story is also a candid exploration of personal challenges and triumphs, including battling body image issues and an eating disorder. Through therapy, social media, and a supportive community, Briana has rebuilt her life around healthy habits and self-care.
In this episode, we delve into the realities of collegiate diving, the emotional and physical toll of athletic injuries, and the significance of feeling strong and balanced over merely looking fit. Briana’s story is sure to inspire anyone grappling with self-doubt or seeking to embrace life’s unexpected changes with confidence and strength.
The episode kicks off with Briana sharing her journey of overcoming self-doubt and injury. We explore her transition from gymnastics to diving after a devastating injury, and how she found new passion and confidence in the sport of diving at Cal Poly University. Brianna’s experiences highlight the significance of feeling comfortable in one’s own skin and finding beauty in confidence. This chapter sets the stage for uncovering the challenges Brianna faced and the lessons she learned along her journey.
Next, we dive into Briana’s diverse journey to success. She started gymnastics at two and a half years old in Southern California. After an ACL injury forced her to quit, she transitioned to acro and tumbling, pole vaulting, and eventually diving. Her path led her from Division II at Azusa Pacific University , and finally to a Division I program at Cal Poly. Despite several relocations and a major switch from engineering to city and regional planning, Briana remained committed to her athletic and academic goals. The chapter highlights her resilience, adaptability, and passion for both sports and urban planning.
As we explore Briana’s journey into college diving, we learn about the numerous injuries she faced, including a broken foot, hand, fingers, and two back fractures, ultimately tearing her ACL. The physical and emotional toll of these injuries, coupled with the pressure to maintain a certain body fat percentage, led to an eating disorder and the difficult decision to quit gymnastics. A serendipitous encounter with a water polo coach introduced her to diving, marking the beginning of a new chapter in her athletic career. Despite diving being an underappreciated and underfunded sport, it provided a new avenue for Briana to channel her athleticism and passion. 
The episode then delves into the intricacies of collegiate diving competitions. We explore the duration and structure of the diving season at Cal Poly, which spans from early September to mid-March. The conversation covers the technical aspects of diving competitions, including the different events and the judging process. This chapter offers a comprehensive understanding of the sport and highlights the nuances of platform diving.
Briana’s final year at Cal Poly is marked by memorable adventures and a strong sense of faith. We explore how she balanced her commitment to the sport with making lasting memories with her tight-knit team. From traveling to meets in Arizona and Mission Viejo to engaging in local activities like hiking, surfing, and yoga, Briana’s adventurous spirit shines through. A spontaneous skydiving trip with her mom serves as a testament to her need for adrenaline and the unforgettable moments that come from embracing spontaneity.
The episode also addresses the struggles and recovery journey related to body image and eating disorders, especially within the context of athletics. Briana shares her personal experience of dealing with body dysmorphia and bulimia following her ACL injury. She emphasizes the importance of proper nutrition and self-acceptance, stressing that real health is about feeling good and being strong rather than just being skinny. The supportive role of therapy and educational resources in collegiate sports has helped Briana regain control over her life. She also reflects on the positive impact of social media, which motivates her to continue promoting a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
In the final chapter, we engage with our vibrant Instagram community, highlighting the positive and fun content shared by Briana. Be sure and follow her on Instagram @bri_vecki. Briana is a testament to the resilience and perservence of one’s self and being comfortable with who you are!