Podcast Summary
Elite Athletes Tapering: Elite athletes like Maisie Summers-Newton train hard but understand the importance of tapering and resting before major competitions to perform at their best.
Elite athletes like British Paralympic swimmer Maisie Summers-Newton, despite their rigorous training schedules, understand the importance of rest and tapering before major competitions. Maisie, who was born with a condition that affects bone development, made history at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games by winning gold medals in both the 200 metre medley and 100 metre breaststroke. She trains eight times a week, including two double sessions, and wakes up at 4 am for early morning pool sessions. However, before major competitions like the Paralympics in Paris, she tapers down and trains less intensely to allow her body to recover and feel ready to perform at her best. This counterintuitive concept of training hard and then resting to perform better is a crucial aspect of elite athletic training.
Role models and family support: Role models and family support fueled this individual's determination to become a successful Paralympic swimmer. Seeing others excel inspired her to train harder and aspire to compete at the highest level.
Passion and determination, fueled by role models and support from family, played a significant role in this individual's journey to becoming a successful Paralympic swimmer. Growing up with swimming in her family, she fell in love with the sport at a young age. The 2012 London Paralympics served as a trigger point, inspiring her to train harder and aspire to compete at the highest level. Seeing other Paralympians, particularly Ellie Simmons, made her feel a sense of belonging and desire to achieve similar success. With hard work and dedication, she eventually qualified for and excelled at the 2016 Rio Paralympics, winning two gold medals. Going to Tokyo for her first Paralympics, she was still naive but excited, ultimately experiencing beyond her expectations.
Olympic adaptation: Athletes face unique challenges in adapting to the Olympic environment, including Covid-19 restrictions and the pressure to perform, but focusing on what can be controlled in the moment can help manage stress and improve performance.
Participating in the Olympics is a unique experience filled with excitement, nervousness, and the need for adaptation. The athlete village is akin to starting college or school, where top-level athletes try to find their place and routine amidst the unfamiliar environment. The added challenge of Covid-19 restrictions and the unpredictability of the virus added stress and uncertainty. However, learning to accept the lack of control and focusing on what can be controlled in the moment is crucial for success in sports and life. The pressure of performing at a high level and the expectations of others can be overwhelming, but maintaining a present-moment mindset can help manage the stress and improve performance.
Nerves and Anxiety Management: Recognizing and coping with nerves through techniques like staying present and speaking with a psychologist can lead to improved performance and well-being.
Managing nerves and anxiety involves finding the right balance and using effective techniques to stay present in the moment. The athlete in the discussion shares her experience of dealing with nerves during competitions, especially before becoming a Paralympic champion. She emphasizes that nerves don't necessarily hinder her performance and has found methods like speaking openly with a psychologist and using techniques like the "5, 4, 3, 2, 1" exercise to help manage her nerves. The key takeaway is that recognizing the presence of nerves and finding ways to cope with them, such as staying present in the moment, can lead to improved performance and overall well-being.
Present Moment Experiences: Immersing oneself in joyful experiences and drawing strength from past memories can transport us to cherished moments and promote personal growth and relaxation
The power of the present moment and experiences that bring joy and nostalgia are essential for personal growth and relaxation. Whether it's through music, reading, or swimming, immersing oneself in these activities can transport us back to happy memories and ground us in the present. For the speaker, her love for music, particularly London's music, takes her back to cherished moments with family. Swimming, her defining skill, also serves as a source of tranquility and focus before competition. The intensity of the cool room before a race allows her to control her energy and prepare mentally for the race ahead. Ultimately, the ability to find joy in the present and draw strength from past experiences is a powerful tool for personal growth and resilience.
Legacy: An athlete's desire to inspire the next generation and leave a lasting impact drives them to continue competing despite the inevitable change and surpassing of their achievements.
The athlete's drive to continue competing in her sport stems from a desire to inspire the next generation and leave a lasting impact. She recognizes that change is inevitable and that younger athletes will eventually surpass her achievements, but finds joy in inspiring them and passing on her knowledge. During the Tokyo Olympics, she faced the pressure of competing against record-breaking swimmers, but drew upon her belief in herself and her years of training to deliver a strong performance. Ultimately, she aims to be remembered as a decent and inspiring person, both inside and outside of the pool.
Mental and physical preparation for winning: Understanding strengths and weaknesses, pacing oneself, and waiting for the right moment to make a move are crucial elements of mental and physical preparation for achieving a goal.
Determination and strategy played a crucial role in the athlete's journey to winning the gold medal. Despite being behind her competitors, she understood her strengths and weaknesses, paced herself, and waited for the right moment to make her move. This mental and physical preparation helped her overcome the pressure and achieve her lifelong goal. The feeling of winning was a mix of joy, happiness, excitement, and relief, knowing that her dedication and hard work had paid off. The medal became a cherished symbol of her accomplishment and a reminder of the journey that led her to it.
Past achievements: Reflecting on past accomplishments can motivate future endeavors, create a personal narrative, and inspire continued focus and determination.
Looking back at past achievements can serve as a powerful motivator for future endeavors. The speaker, an athlete who has qualified for and competed in multiple Paralympic Games, shares how she has framed and displayed her Paralympic medals, congratulatory letters, and even dried flowers from the ceremony, creating a personal narrative of her journey. This visual reminder of her accomplishments helps her stay focused on her goals and inspires her to continue training and competing. The speaker also mentions that the shorter three-year cycle between competitions has made the journey to Paris feel like it's gone by quickly, but she remains determined to maintain her performance and reach the same level of success. In addition to her athletic pursuits, the speaker also balances teaching and other responsibilities, which we will explore further in the next part of our conversation.