Actress Golda Rosheuvel, known for her role as Queen Charlotte in the hit show Bridgerton, revealed on the Origins with Cush Jumbo podcast that she once had dreams of competing in the Olympics as a decathlete during her teenage years. Rosheuvel had a passion for sports growing up, excelling in multiple disciplines such as hockey, netball, athletics, and swimming, earning county-level medals for each. She described herself as a “jock” and loved the meditative aspect of sports, focusing more on the energy and flying sensation rather than winning.
As a teenager, Rosheuvel began training for the Olympics in the decathlon event due to her impressive track record at the county level. However, her dreams were cut short when she suffered an ankle injury that forced her to take time off from training. Despite the setback, Rosheuvel found solace in drama and music, which eventually led her to pursuing a career in acting. She recalled a pivotal moment during a career day with her parents where she chose to pursue drama after seeing a sign that said “DRAMA” and never looked back.
Reflecting on her journey, Rosheuvel shared a “sliding doors moment” during the 2012 London Olympics when she was out of work and watched the games from her couch, feeling a sense of longing for what could have been. However, she had to remind herself that she was doing what she loved and focused on her acting career. Despite not achieving her Olympic dreams, Rosheuvel credits her time spent training for the decathlon with instilling in her a sense of discipline and focus that she now applies to her acting roles.
Rosheuvel emphasized the importance of focus and discipline in both sports and acting, noting that the skills she developed as an athlete have been invaluable in her acting career. She highlighted the similarities between the two, explaining that the discipline and focus required in sports training are similar to what she taps into when learning a new role or performing on stage. Rosheuvel’s journey from aspiring Olympian to successful actress serves as a testament to how her sporting background has influenced her approach to her craft.
Despite her athletic aspirations not coming to fruition, Rosheuvel has found fulfillment in her acting career and continues to draw on the lessons she learned as a young athlete. Her passion for sports and the discipline she acquired through training for the Olympics have shaped her approach to acting, allowing her to fully immerse herself in her roles and deliver powerful performances. Rosheuvel’s story serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes and actors alike, showcasing the transformative power of pursuing one’s passions and dreams with determination and resilience.
