Elite sport psychology/anxiety/summary
This module has explained that anxiety can act as a barrier to success for elite athletes:
- Anxiety is a reflection of uncertainty and occurs when an athlete feels unable to meet the challenge.
- Many factors contribute to anxiety, including the importance of the event and the effect of an audience.
- Competition anxiety can be assessed and to some extent reflects individual differences.
- There are both physical and psychological responses to stress.
- Athletes can learn relaxation techniques that will give them skills to cope with the stresses of competition.
Keeping it in perspective
A final point about anxiety.
Yes, athletes have to cope with a lot of stress in order to be successful. And yes, they can learn relaxation techniques that may help them to cope with competition stress. However, they can also deflect the perceived pressure of elite competition.
The quote above from legendary Liverpool FC football manager Bill Shankly highlights how seriously sport is taken and how it evokes extreme passion in players and fans. However, if winning or losing threatens athletes’ self-esteem, then they are setting themselves up for a career of anxiety.
Remember that sport is stressful but to quote the iconic Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar you can only control the controllables. In other words, elite performers can train hard and prepare for competition but on that day there may be someone who simply performs better. The athlete most likely to manage anxiety will put winning into perspective, and take comfort from the knowledge that they prepared for competition to the best of their ability. If success proves elusive they will continue to strive by setting ever more challenging goals.
A quote from another legendary coach is apt at this point:
Go further
Video
Johnny Wilkinson
- Former rugby World Cup winner Johnny Wilkinson on how he deals with stress
Watch how Johnny Wilkinson deals with stress. What strategies does he use and why?
