Ep514 - Masatoshi Ohno & Jérôme Guth | Turning Fear into Excitement
Jan 7, 2025
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Masatoshi Ohno, a three-time Japan Pro Surfing Association Grand Champion, and Jérôme Guth, head coach of the Japanese fencing Olympic team, share powerful insights on teamwork and resilience. They highlight how team sports can transform fear into excitement, nurturing essential life skills. Their discussion spans the balance between competition and artistry, the emotional challenges of Olympic qualification, and the importance of fostering supportive team dynamics. They also tackle mental health issues athletes encounter, emphasizing community support and personal passion in sports.
Masatoshi and Jérôme emphasize the importance of early engagement in sports to foster lifelong dedication and skill development.
Both coaches address the balance between individual achievements and team dynamics, highlighting strategies to maintain camaraderie in competitive environments.
The conversation explores how fear can be transformed into motivation, stressing the need for mental preparation and resilience in athletes.
Deep dives
Exploring the Foundations of Passion
Both Masatoshi Ono and Jerome Guth have shared how their passion for their respective sports ignited at a young age, highlighting the importance of early engagement in sports. Masatoshi grew up in a surfing family, spending countless hours in the ocean which laid the foundation for his lifelong dedication to surfing. Similarly, Jerome's introduction to fencing began when he was just six years old, a moment he recalls vividly as it set him on the path to becoming a professional athlete. Their experiences emphasize that a strong early start fosters not only skill development but also a deep connection to the sport that can last a lifetime.
Managing Competition and Team Dynamics
The conversation dives into how both coaches approach the dynamics of competition within their teams, particularly in regard to balance between individual and team efforts. Masatoshi discusses his role as a 'sparring partner' to inspire his athletes, while Jerome emphasizes the significance of collective success despite the nature of fencing being an individual sport. Both recognize the challenge of maintaining camaraderie while also fostering healthy competition, highlighting strategies such as mutual respect and shared experiences like training camps. This balance is crucial in building a resilient team, especially in environments where only individual achievements are recognized.
Turning Fear into Excitement
Fear and risk are inherent parts of both surfing and fencing, with Masatoshi and Jerome expressing how these emotions can be transformed into excitement and motivation. Masatoshi describes the intense focus required when facing large waves, relying on instinct and preparation to manage fear effectively. Jerome adds that in fencing, athletes often face multiple types of fears, including the fear of loss or injury, which can be mitigated through rigorous mental and physical preparation. They both highlight that by understanding and embracing fear, athletes can channel it positively to enhance performance.
Fostering Mental Resilience in Athletes
Both coaches underscore the significance of mental health and resilience in sports, recognizing that setbacks and failures can lead to personal growth. Jerome shares a personal experience of difficulty managing emotions after a disappointing performance, emphasizing the value of self-reflection and recovery. Masatoshi reflects on how surfing, particularly in challenging environments, can force athletes to confront their vulnerabilities and foster resilience. They advocate for a supportive atmosphere where emotional expression is encouraged, allowing athletes to turn negative experiences into learning opportunities.
Innovative Approaches to Sports Culture
The discussion touches on innovative initiatives, such as Masatoshi's 'Fundamental' project, which seeks to blend fun and creativity into surfing, moving beyond conventional competitive frameworks. This project emphasizes the enjoyment of the sport over strict competition, aiming to broaden the appeal of surfing to a wider audience. Jerome discusses the importance of creating a unified team culture in fencing by breaking down barriers between genders and focusing on collective goals. Their approaches highlight a shift towards fostering enjoyment, community, and shared success within competitive sports environments.
Masatoshi Ohno and Jérôme Guth visit Google to discuss how team sports fosters a sense of belonging, appreciation, and resilience.
Masatoshi 'Mar' Ohno is a 3-time Japan Pro Surfing Association Grand Champion surfer who has made significant contributions to the Japanese surf industry. He holds the record for most consecutive wins in a single year, with 7 Golds in 2013. Mar has also been instrumental in promoting surfing in Japan, leading the national surf team to multiple victories and serving as the captain and coach at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics. His dedication to the sport extends beyond competition, as he created the 'FunTheMental' surf festival and currently serves as Chairman of the S.League.
Jérôme Guth is a French Maître d’Armes, specialized in Sabre, and is the Head Coach of the Japanese fencing Olympic team. Jérôme leads both the Women’s & the Men’s programs, which makes him the youngest coach in the World with this kind of responsibility. Under Jérôme’s leadership, the Japanese Women’s Sabre Team qualified for the first time in history for the Paris 2024 Olympics, later clinching a Bronze Medal at the Olympic Team Event.
