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Focus On Your Sports Performance And Not Your Opponent

By My Fitness Hut | August 21, 2008

There's a saying that goes like this "that's why they play the game......" You still have to win the game, match or race even if you are a heavy favorite! We saw this happen repeatedly in this summer's Olympics.

American Lolo Jones, the heavy favorite in the women's 100 meter hurdles, tripped over a hurdle and finished in last place. She would normally win this race 10 out of 10 times. She was very courageous and truthful in defeat. In my opinion, Lolo is a champion no matter what happened.

The 26-year-old hurdler was quoted after the race as saying, “you hit a hurdle about twice a year where it affects your race,” said Jones, tears welling up in her eyes. “It’s just a shame that it was on the biggest race of my life.
The hurdles were just coming up very fast and I just told myself what I always tell myself, ‘keep things tight’."

“But it’s kind of like when you are racing a car and going max velocity and you hit a curve, either you can maintain control or you can crash and burn. Today I crashed and burned.” What a courageous and truthful response by Lolo! Its not like the summer Olympics are held every year!

The unexpected winner, Dawn Harper, had this to say, “you have certain people that are supposed to be the favorites,” she said. “On this particular day, and at this time, you have to run your best race."

The 24-year-old Harper said three-times Olympic champion Jackie Joyner-Kersee had given her this advice: “She sent me an email telling me ‘You can do it, stay focused, it’s about you. When you race on that day and that time, focus on you’,” she said.

Well said Jackie! That's one of the main reasons why I only do 1 on 1 training of clients. You can only do your best and that has nothing to do with your opponent! There are no two people who are trained the same way. Focus on your training and your confidence. Trust your athletic skills and preparation when its time to "put it on the line."

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