Читать книгу The Performance Mindset - Anthony J. Klarica - Страница 27

One of the many sports I have worked in over the years is swimming. Swimming clubs and squads include a wide mix of athletes with diverse motivations, from general fitness to social connections and Olympic aspirations. During adolescence, when many of their peers enjoy sleeping in, swimming squads begin training before school when it's still dark. After school, it's often back to the pool.

In early adulthood they receive no, or minimal, financial reward for their efforts, though it can consume much of their time, energy and emotional resources. Pool training is often complemented by gym and various other strength and conditioning sessions. For years on end parents, as their personal drivers and supports, wake before dawn to act as chauffeur to and from training sessions. I have seen early bolters win national championships and fade away when their priorities change or because of injury. Meanwhile late bloomers can rise from the foundation of their training to peak at national championships and gain selection to state or national teams in late adolescence or early adulthood.

It is an issue I often discuss with junior athletes and parents: being good as a junior is very different from becoming or lasting as a senior or open athlete. Integrating mindset education into junior programs becomes important, not only to assist transition, but also to ensure that athletes leaving a sport have positive experiences to remember and reflect on for life. Going on to become a national representative is not for everyone.