The pressure of competing in the Olympics can weigh heavily on athletes’ minds. Kaori Sakamoto, a three-time world champion from Japan, aptly describes this mental burden as “Olympic demons.” These challenges aren’t just physical; they manifest in anxiety and fear during a moment that can define a career.
For many athletes, the Olympics is a unique chance that comes only once every four years. The weight of that opportunity can lead to intense stress. Take Amber Glenn, for instance. After missing out on the 2018 team due to a COVID-19 positive test, she approached her second chance at the age of 26 with both hope and anxiety. While she earned a gold medal during the team competition, doubts lingered in her mind. Social media scrutiny only added to her emotional turmoil, especially as she faced backlash for voicing her political views as an openly pansexual athlete.
Ilia Malinin, known as the “Quad God,” experienced his own struggles. Despite being unbeaten for three years, he faltered during the men’s free skate, finishing well below expectations. He shared on social media that even those who appear confident often wrestle with invisible battles.
Similarly, Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara, the reigning world champions in pairs, stumbled in their first routine, leaving them in fifth place and in tears. However, they rebounded with a flawless performance in the free skate, ultimately claiming gold for Japan.
In this atmosphere, Sakamoto felt a lighter burden after losing her world title last year. She explained that this defeat transformed her into an underdog, freeing her from crushing expectations. “This is an important experience to feel this crushing defeat,” she shared.
Ami Nakai, a 17-year-old who won the short program with flair, brought joy and excitement, embracing the moment without the heavy weight of expectation. She stated, “Right now, I’m just enjoying these Olympics.”
While many athletes experience the highs and lows of competition, not all face the same pressures. For Alysa Liu, a former skating prodigy, the sport became overwhelming. After stepping away for two years, she returned to enjoy skating again, regardless of the outcome. “I’m fine with any outcome as long as I am out there. So, there’s nothing to lose,” she said.
The complexities of Olympic competition extend beyond physical performance. The mental aspects are just as crucial, and many athletes navigate them in their way, learning to cope with both triumphs and defeats.
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