Watching the Olympics is like watching a clinic on mental skills training techniques: A skier talks about using her typical pre-competition routine to help regulate her anxiety; a speed skater images his race as he stretches; a hockey player say he talks positively to himself before the game to get mentally prepared.  Watch closely and you’ll see Apollo Ohno screen out distractions by listening to his iPod, Chris Mazdzer use imagery before his luge run and Shannon Bahrke use it before skiing the women’s moguls, and lots of athlete saying that they try to focus only on the things they can control.

Surveys show that nearly all Olympic athletes obtain mental skills training, and the more successful ones have better mental skills than the less successful ones.  As you watch the Olympics, listen carefully to how the best in the business cope with pressure, maintain their focus, and bounce back from adversity.  For more Olympic mental training tips, order the USOC’s Sport Psychology Mental Training Manual.  It’s the most practical book of mental training tips available!