Making it in elite sport
Across the globe there are millions of young athletes who are dedicating themselves to making the grade in their chosen sport. For most the initial goal is to get selected for the leading academies or colleges as this is seen as the springboard that will allow them to reach the top level of elite sport. It is easy to think that those who make the grade at this level are on a straightforward route to the top but, as many have learned, the reality is much different. As we know, only a small percentage will realize their ambitions of success, fame and fortune, and perhaps one of the reasons for this is that it is difficult to adapt to the transition of joining the elite. Being selected for an academy or earning a college scholarship may be a huge step forward, but it brings with it a whole new set of obstacles. Getting to that level obviously means that a young athlete has an abundance of talent and potential to make it to the top, and while they may be prepared for the physical challenges that come their way, the mental hurdles may prove much more difficult to cope with.
What are the challenges?
Settling into the new routine can have a major impact on how a young athlete is able to thrive at their sport and there are many factors that can influence this. For example, they may have to travel long distances on a regular basis for training, or in many cases will have to move from home to attend the academy/college on a full-time basis. As a result they will have to cope with being away from family and friends who offer a vital support network. The move may involve living with new people – possibly a host family – and the responsibilities of living away from home and making new friends will take a bit of getting used to. For those at college it is not just a matter of performing on the field of play, but there is also the added pressure of dealing with study. Many academies also put a big emphasis on study and as difficulty keeping up with study while trying to be successful at sport can test even the most mentally strong.
Even in terms of sport, the new routine can be completely different from what the athlete was accustomed to. For example, those who have achieved a place in the academy will generally have been easily the best performer on their team. Suddenly, they find themselves only on a par with their peers and some find that difficult to come to terms with. Joining an academy, particularly for those in their first year, can also mean limited game time. Once again this can be a major culture shock for a player who had previously been guaranteed to play all the time.
Studies highlight many sources of pressure
These issues are examined in Entry into Elite Sport: A Preliminary Investigation into the Transition Experiences of Rookie Athletes which looks at the challenges faced by athletes making the transition to elite sport. The study featured the responses of eight rookie male ice hockey players, with an average age of just over 17 years, from two Major Junior ‘A’ Ontario Hockey League (OHL) teams. The OHL represents the highest level of elite, amateur hockey in Canada. The findings from the study are interesting as they highlight the challenges faced by young athletes both ‘on-ice’ and ‘off-ice’. 5 common themes relating to on-ice activities were identified as:-
- readiness for elite competition
- demonstrating competence
- earning playing time
- evaluation of performance and
- comments from coaches
The off-ice themes were identified as:-
- the role of teammates
- billets (families who invite junior players into their homes to be a part of their family during the hockey season)
- player trades and
- personal development
The study’s findings also suggest that practitioners, coaches, and sport psychology consultants be cognizant of an athlete’s transition experiences, not only as an athlete retires from sport, but also upon entry into elite sport.
Thriving in elite sport
In A Qualitative Exploration of Thriving in Elite Sport, Dr Daniel Brown, a sports scientist at the University of Portsmouth, and colleagues at the University of Bath, identified internal and external factors which contribute to a sportsman or woman getting to the top and staying there. Thriving was suggested to involve:-
- being optimistic, focused, and in control
- having an active awareness of areas for improvement
- possessing high-quality motivation
- experiencing holistic development
- displaying upward progression
- having a sense of belonging
The research also makes the point that these characteristics appear similar to the experience of ‘eudaimonic’ well-being. The term eudaimonia (pronounced as u-day-monia) is from the Greek words eu (good) and daimon (spirit). When living a eudaimonic life we find more meaning and purpose in life as we are in pursuit of fulfilling our potential. But to realize our full potential we need things necessary for the development of our potential whether it be succeeding in the world of sport or other areas.
Other mental skills of successful athletes include:-
- Strong focus and concentration
- Positive Attitude
- Sets goals and objectives
- Strong Commitment
- Manages stress and anxiety
- Self Confident
- Uses positive mental imagery
- Good communicator
- Self Motivator
Monitoring using Metrifit
The difficulty in dealing with transition to elite sport is another reason why it is essential to monitor the mental well-being of a young athlete. Being able to identify possible problems at an early stage could be crucial in ensuring that a young athlete can cope with the pressure and ensure they go on to fulfill their sporting potential. Metrifit provides a simple and effective method for athletes monitor their well-being and progress as well as providing insight into the motivators, strengths and weaknesses of each athlete. Educating and empowering athletes to improve their lifestyle can pay huge dividends on the playing field. Metrifit’s new Lifestyle Profiling is akin to a ‘health check’ for your team. It provides invaluable insight into the well-being of your team with clear visuals that help you make informed decisions to prepare your athletes for optimal performance.
To find out more about our Metrifit Ready to Perform product or our new lifestyle profiling contact us at or click on ‘Request Demo’ below.
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References
Why only the toughest survive in Premier League academies by Alec James Fenn