What does it take to become an elite athlete? Regardless of which sport you may be competing in, there must be a certain recipe and synergy of characteristics that propel one individual past another. Today I want to examine the combination of two sets of qualities: brain vs. brawn and youth vs. maturity.
Brain vs. Brawn
We have all heard the mantra that any sport is 90% mental and 10% physical, and I both agree and disagree with the statement... I undoubtedly agree if applied to one individual alone, but disagree if the statement is applied to multiple individuals competing against one another.
For example, if Michael Phelps is swimming, focusing solely upon his swim, his mental capability, resilience, and determination will lead his body to the result he desires. If his mind is clear, relaxed, and focused- that will be the key to victory.
However, if Michael Phelps were to swim against, well, anyone in the world, his freakish physique and superior physical qualities (flexibility, wing span) will always triumph. His brawn and strength will ultimately win out, regardless of the mental stature of his competitor.
For example, if Michael Phelps is swimming, focusing solely upon his swim, his mental capability, resilience, and determination will lead his body to the result he desires. If his mind is clear, relaxed, and focused- that will be the key to victory.
However, if Michael Phelps were to swim against, well, anyone in the world, his freakish physique and superior physical qualities (flexibility, wing span) will always triumph. His brawn and strength will ultimately win out, regardless of the mental stature of his competitor.
Youth vs. Maturity
If a NCAA football team is entering the new season with a true freshman quarterback, everyone holds their breath... but is it 100% of the time a negative? With youth comes exuberance, agility, excitement, and eagerness to prove oneself. Unfortunately, with youth comes shaky performances, inexperience, and nerves.
With maturity comes past experience handling 3rd and long situations, 4th quarter deficits, and opponent's stadiums holding 80,000 screaming fans. The mature athlete knows what to expect, but do they always have the secret to know how to endure and triumph over these situations?
With maturity comes past experience handling 3rd and long situations, 4th quarter deficits, and opponent's stadiums holding 80,000 screaming fans. The mature athlete knows what to expect, but do they always have the secret to know how to endure and triumph over these situations?
What's the recipe for success?
So... what are the qualities that ensure an athlete will be elite? I believe there are countless qualities that truly combine to create the "perfect" athlete. They must have the mental strength, physical toughness and stature, a youthful excitement, a mature calmness, and much more.
What other components attribute to creating a world class athlete?
What other components attribute to creating a world class athlete?
Sarah, I agree with your recipe for success - especially the mental part. I happen to know an elite swimmer that is pretty much built the exact opposite of Michael Phelps (long legs, short torso, small hands), but has imperturbable mental strength. This quality has no doubt played a part in his success as a swimmer. In my opinion, athletes that have mastered mental strength and exhibit unrelenting determination are more affable than athletes who were born with "freakish physique".
ReplyDeleteI think Michael Phelps is living proof that to be a world class athlete freakish physical skills and a will to win are 99.9% of it. I once saw him beat the heck out of guy in a 400IM that was 100 times smarter than him; but he did win the race! I doubt that Usain Bolt is a rocket scientist either, but it's fun to watch him run.
ReplyDeleteAnd by affable I meant laudable, but I bet the affable comment holds true too.
ReplyDeleteGMAN and Sarah,
In the case of the South African runner who is now subject to a gender test, do you chalk up her abilities to "freakish physical skills" if she is indeed a hermaphrodite? Or do you disqualify her from competing with women because she is technically not completely female?
I think everyone should be allowed to compete; that includes hermaphrodites and anyone with a confused sexual identity. Should there be a seperate catagory for them to keep the playing field level? That is a question for Sarah with a side of sports.
ReplyDeleteStacy and GMAN,
ReplyDeleteThe current situation with the South African runner is quite unfortunate and abnormal. She is definitely "freakish" due to her outrageous athletic talent, regardless of gender. I agree that everyone should be allowed to compete and that an individual handling a sexual identity crisis should be a private situation to be handled PRIVATELY, not by members of their athletic affiliations.
However, if she is purposely disguising her male gender and altering her hormone levels then YES she should be disqualified... I'm interested to see what the results of the gender tests will be.