Understanding Fear and its Role in Elite Athletes

Fear is a crucial element for elite athletes as it serves as a protective mechanism, helping them recognize potential threats or challenges. Elite athletes reassess their confidence levels before races so that fear does not hinder their performance. Fear and nerves are viewed positively as they guide athletes to pay attention to important factors. Elite athletes maintain a healthy level of fear and nerves, using them to determine the level of risk they are willing to take. The fear experienced by elite athletes is not about whether they can complete a challenge but rather about the speed and relationship with the track. Their fear is a tool that helps them process, understand, and act upon the challenges they face. The idea that elite athletes 'take their brain out' to remove fear is dismissed, as proper preparation is key, and psychology plays a significant role in maintaining a competitive edge, as athletes can experience fluctuations in performance influenced by various factors such as track conditions, mental preparedness, and life context.