One psychological explanation for Kane’s successes can be found in the concept of challenge and threat states, which explains why some athletes perform better than others under pressure.
Sport and exercise psychology research studies – which inform the strategies athletes use to reach peak performance – have predominantly used male participants.
The past 18 months have tested the mental and physical limits of Olympic athletes in their pursuit of the Tokyo Games. That’s what makes the performances during these Olympics even more remarkable.
Facing a penalty shootout: German football fans put their hands in front of their mouths to cover their stress.
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No-one ever asks the players how the quota system affects them. When one academic did, she found conflicting and complex responses about the impact of transformation in South African sport.
One of the most pressurised roles in the pressure cooker that is the Rugby World Cup is the referee. Threatening fans are causing them to quit the game at all levels.
It was through focusing on the love of the game – rather than on winning – that led Richmond to succeed.
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We need to learn how to rebuild from loss, failure, or defeat in life, and that can also help in sport.
Gareth Southgate dejected after failing to score in the penalty shoot out which ended England’s chances in the Euro ‘96 semi-final match against Germany at Wembley.
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Sport is full of high-pressure language which if eradicated can help athletes to express themselves and perform at their best.
Australian captain Steve Smith hits the pitch after being caught off balance from a delivery during the Australia v England Ashes Test in January 2018.
AAP Image/Dean Lewins
Australia’s cricketers were once known as tough but fair, but the latest ball tampering scandal has many asking how some of the leading players could have stooped so low.
Nathan Chen of the United States, considered a gold medal contender, falls while performing during the men’s short program figure skating at the 2018 Winter Olympics.
(AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Why can an athlete dominate their sport, but fail to perform when it counts most at the Olympic Games? A number of factors the viewing audience can’t see can explain poor performances.
Canada’s Andi Naude, who came into the Olympics ranked No. 2 in the world in women’s mogul skiing, reacts after failing to complete her final run at the 2018 Winter Olympic Games.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward
Failure is something all athletes need to deal with, especially when competing on the world stage that is the Olympics. Learning self-compassion can help athletes rebound from setbacks.
The All Blacks in action.
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