Beyond Wins and Losses: Victor Scheffler’s Journey from Sports Star to Space Explorer | Insights from Cath Bishop

Top athletes often wrestle with deeper questions than just winning. Scottie Scheffler recently shared his confusion about why he wants to win golf tournaments. Similarly, Alexander Zverev, the world No. 3 in tennis, has opened up about feeling empty despite his successes. And Amanda Anisimova—who took time off to care for her mental health—returned to make it to the Wimbledon final, showing the complexity of athletes’ journeys.

This trend is becoming more common. Many athletes are digging into what lies beyond the medals and trophies. They realize that chasing wins can sometimes cloud their true purpose in sports and life. Understanding this can be a game-changer for their mental well-being and performance.

Scheffler, for instance, enjoys triumphing in tournaments but acknowledges it doesn’t fulfill him deeply. He continues to ask himself why he plays the sport, aware that success isn’t everything. Similarly, Anisimova’s break helped her reconnect with her love for tennis, despite skepticism from others about her comeback. Zverev is also searching for meaning outside win-loss records.

Research in psychology supports this exploration for meaning. Renowned psychologist Abraham Maslow emphasized that fulfilling our needs goes beyond material gains. Viktor Frankl, a psychiatrist, pointed out that finding purpose is a fundamental human drive. According to a recent survey by the American Psychological Association, nearly 70% of athletes report struggling with mental health at some point in their careers.

Winning still matters in sports, but it doesn’t define an athlete’s worth. The journey is as crucial as the final score. Athletes like Scheffler, Anisimova, and Zverev understand that what they become through their sport holds more value than merely winning trophies.

For coaches, it’s vital to encourage athletes to explore their identities and values beyond competition. Traditionally focused on technical skills, coaching is evolving to include discussions on mental health and purpose. Organizations like Switch the Play and the True Athlete Project emphasize the importance of these conversations early in an athlete’s career.

When athletes have a strong sense of purpose, the distinction between winning and losing becomes less impactful emotionally. Both experiences contribute to personal growth and resilience. For instance, during the Wimbledon final, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz both expressed gratitude and humility in their speeches, highlighting that who they are transcends their titles.

Performance sport is revealing that the most successful athletes are those who push themselves not just on the field, but also in their personal development. As Sinner put it after winning Wimbledon, the goal is to become a better athlete and, more importantly, a better person. This mindset could be the key to unlocking their fullest potential.



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