With the 2012 London Olympics just around the corner,
athletes the world over are entrenched in training mode. But as sports have
become increasingly professional, technique and fitness is no longer the
standout difference between winning gold or heading home empty handed. Instead, it all comes down to mental toughness – the ability
to make cool-headed decisions in heated moments and control things when they
threaten to go astray.
Just look at some of the world’s top athletes – even Rafael
Nadal credits his success to his strong mental resilience: “It is impossible to
play great every time, but when I play so-so I’m still there mentally – the
mental part is there 100%”
Whether you’re an aspiring figure skater or cyclist, the
mental resilience required to win gold in the greatest sports competition on
Earth is the same.
In a recent study, a team from Loughborough University spoke
with 12 Olympic champions across a range of events and found they all possessed
a unique mental toughness characterised by five unique attributes:
Positive personality: Each gold medal-winning athlete had an
openness to new experiences, was conscientious, competitive, optimistic and
proactive
Motivation: Top athletes are motivated by multiple internal
and external factors. While they have a passion for the sport, they’re driven
to prove their worth so choose to compete at top level.
Confidence: Their confidence is gained from a range of
sources, from experience and self-awareness to visualisation and coaches – this
means a set-back in one area won’t hold them back.
Focus: The ability to concentrate on the process rather than
the outcome and self-reflect without distraction.
Social support: They have a strong support network and
believe high quality support, whether from family, coaches or teammates, is
just a phone call away.
