The Impact of Loss

Olympic Games- The Impact of Loss

Written By: Shaun Smith- Absolute Mental Training

Olympic officials have confirmed that it was in fact not the course conditions but maybe the inexperience or inability of Georgians Luge athlete which lead to his tragic death. Great news for many people involved with this year’s Olympics but does this mean that the thoughts of safety and injury are out of the athlete’s minds?

Athletes and officials were completely shocked when the February 12, 2010 incident occurred which saw the Georgian Luge athlete lose control and have his body sent flailing out of the course and into a pole. Athletes made many comments which showed respect for their fellow athlete but many of them were both shocked at the severity of the injury and made mention that this could be a reminder of the dangers in sport.

Injury, especially one of this magnitude can have a dramatic affect on the athlete’s minds. Athletes begin to question their safety and thoughts of “Am I safe” or “What if I get injured” begin to cross their minds. These thoughts then often create negative images of crashes they have both seen, heard of or been a part of. The impact of an injury begins to be recreated in the mind and begins to become a realistic possibility again. The thought of being injured again also impacts the athlete’s confidence in their abilities to perform the sport at an elite level. No longer do they believe that they are above injury and the gentle reminder that they too could become hurt weighs heavily on their every thought. Negative thoughts and second guessing their ability can lead to more injuries because the athlete no longer will trust their instincts that were developed over years of training but will begin second guessing their every move. In sport, decisions are made within milliseconds and a second thought can lead to injury as the athlete will not make the appropriate reaction.

Injuries can be a gentle reminder that we as athletes are not superheroes or immortal. They can lead to a loss of confidence in our abilities and a fear of being injured. Our athletes will have to focus on getting back into their sport quickly, staying positive and focusing on their breathing. Positive thoughts and breathing will keep them in the present; thoughts about the past and future will only harm our athlete’s mentality. The men’s Luge athletes will go back to work today but from the women’s distance. This is a great tool in allowing the athletes to slowly work their way back to the speeds which caused this horrific crash. Let’s stay positive and hope for an injury free day and weeks going forward.   

Copyright 2009 by Absolute Mental Training, LTD
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