Читать книгу The Performance Mindset - Anthony J. Klarica - Страница 33

So many variables behind the scenes need to be managed to enable an athlete to shine. Maintaining focus and discipline, and performing in unusual and challenging circumstances with minimal support are common components of the sporting journey that the public doesn't see. To achieve sporting ambitions, an incredible resolve and intrinsic drive are necessary staples from an early age.

Nicole's first competition was at the World University Games in Sicily in 1997. I attended the Games with the Australian team as a psychologist. Before departure for Italy, the team assembled at a hotel beside Sydney airport, where athletes and staff sat through formalities and listened to well‐wishing guest speakers. It was here I heard one of the shortest and best speeches at any official ceremony that I've attended. I don't recall who the speaker was, but the substance of the speech was burned into my memory. It went along these lines: ‘Congratulations for making your national team. Keep in mind that if you perform well, you may not even be noted in the one‐line sports results section at the back of the newspaper. However, if you make one personal mistake you will be on the front page of every newspaper in Australia.’

It was a sobering lesson. An elite sportsperson must not only perform, but also uphold behavioural standards when representing a squad, team, state or country. It is another ingredient that must be managed to assist development and performance. To become or to remain an elite athlete requires both training discipline and personal and behavioural discipline. It reflects the necessity to deal with scrutiny on performance and non‐performance areas.

At the Games, the accommodation was in a hotel complex guarded by armed military. There were not enough beds when the team arrived, and buses and other transport to training and events were constantly late. On top of that, several athletes and staff became unwell and were restricted to their small rooms. Many competitors had to work with unfamiliar coaches and support staff. For most athletes the trip was either fully or partly self‐funded. There were other challenges that were generally to be expected for such a large international sporting competition, including disorganised training spaces or facilities, traffic getting to and from venues, and language barriers. None of this is to say that it was not a tremendous experience. It was a fantastic trip, and a privilege to work with a great team. I mean only to illustrate the kinds of demands made on athletes striving to apply their craft at many sporting competitions, even before the competition begins.