Fitter Radio Triathlon Podcast #636 - Dr John Sullivan: High Performance Sport NZ
Sep 22, 2025
Dr. John Sullivan, a sport scientist and clinical psychologist leading performance psychology at High Performance Sport New Zealand, shares fascinating insights into the brain's role in athletic performance. He discusses how emotions affect performance, the importance of individualized training approaches, and strategies for managing anxiety and improving sleep quality. Sullivan highlights the significance of mindfulness and breathing techniques, while also tackling the challenges of information overload. His expertise also extends to using technology to optimize brain health and performance.
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Individual Variation Is Central
- Human variation is the rule, not the exception, so athletes will differ in emotional response and adaptation.
- You can shift anxious profiles by changing behaviours like sleep, fuel and recovery to boost resilience.
Use Resonant Breathing To Calm Down
- Use diaphragmatic (resonant/HRV) breathing to calm the brain and restore access to working memory under stress.
- Practice this breathing so it becomes an automatic pre-performance tool.
Keep Phones Away From Your Head At Night
- Remove your phone from the bedroom and keep it several feet away while sleeping to avoid sleep disruptions from notifications and RF pulses.
- Use device distance plus low light and quiet to improve sleep quality and recovery.
