When thousands of spectators are laser-focused on your every move as prepare to dive into the pool at the Olympics, the mounting pressure must surely be overwhelming.
However, the talented swimmers on Team GB’s aquatics team all have their own unique ways of dealing with stress and race-day nerves, so they can stay on top form after months of training.
Before they make a splash in Paris, ex-Ellesmere College student and Team GB member Freya Anderson shared some secrets for staying calm when the stakes are high.
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The freestyle star has recovered from glandular fever just in time to make her mark at Paris La Defense Arena and has been busy preparing herself mentally for the occasion.
“It is insanely stressful, especially coming up to the Olympics, but this is why we do it – it is the pinnacle of our sport,” says 23-year-old.
Acknowledging the pressure and learning from past mistakes has made the Wirral swimmer stronger, she added: “It is good to remind yourself that it is a stressful time, and to just allow yourself to have those feelings. It’s also important to take what you have learnt in the past into the future.
“Before a big race, I try to remain chilled. I read or watch a series to distract myself from thinking about it too much,” added Anderson. “I am reading Sarah J. Maas’ Throne Of Glass series at the moment.”
The 4x100m medley Olympic gold medal holder (won at the Tokyo Games) also focuses on her breathing during high pressure situations to help keep herself composed, saying: “I do a lot of breathing work because I really do believe in how powerful it can be in regulating the nervous system.”
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