Anxiety in Athletics: A Personal Journey

During my high school years, playing football brought a ritualistic anxiety that would start building a day or so before the big games. This routine stretched from Thursday afternoons right through to the Friday night games. I remember tossing and turning on Thursday nights, but eventually, I learned to accept this as part of my mental preparation.

My athletic journey took a pivotal turn on January 2, 1982, the day I began decathlon training. This marked a shift from aspiring to be a professional football player to diving headfirst into track and field, with a particular focus on the decathlon. I was instantly captivated. This passion didn’t wane until 2004, as I dabbled in various events, often training with my buddy Brent for the 200m and 400m races. Sometimes, he’d coax me into a 800m race with the promise of a post-workout beer.

In the '80s, despite achieving over 8000 points in 1986, I faced a series of frustrating injuries, particularly before the National Championships. It was during this time that I began journaling, inspired by an 11-year-old who credited me for motivating him to start his own journal. Journaling helped significantly, though it couldn’t completely alleviate my anxiety, especially during the 1988 Olympic Trials. I was physically prepared and eager to compete, but the anxiety persisted, subtly undermining my focus and performance. It felt like having an excess of energy without the means to effectively channel it.

Decades later, as a high school track coach, I see echoes of my own pre-meet nerves in my athletes. Back in the '80s, my experiences were labeled as 'Self Sabotage,' a term that seemed to add insult to injury. After two decades of reflection, I’ve realized that during those critical moments, I didn’t need to envision serene settings; I was already in my happy place—the track. The real challenge lay in channeling that intense energy effectively. In football, this energy translated into more speed, strength, and endurance. However, the decathlon demanded a different approach, as some events offer no second chances.

With my athletes, we focus on harnessing their energy during practice, ensuring they’re not just going through the motions. I remind them that pre-competition nerves are a natural part of their preparation, signifying that they're ready to perform at their best. We work on physical focus, visual cues, and mental strategies, understanding that these can evolve just as we do.

In conclusion, remember: 'Emotions are great servants but terrible masters.' Embracing this philosophy can transform anxiety from a hindrance into a powerful tool for success.