The Performance Mindset

STEP 7EXECUTE YOUR PERFORMANCE

Delivering a performance when it matters is a skill. Countless training sessions over years do not guarantee a great result on the day. In some sports there are limited opportunities to peak and qualify for a team. In other sports, competition performances must be sustained, week after week over a season, in varying conditions against different opponents. All athletes must not only strive to perform at their best at competition, but also contend with an opposition performance. In some sports, repeating an effort in heats and finals, managing tactics and dealing with a wide range of other variables can impact a performance. Tapering and peaking are specific skills as well, and they're not purely physical. Peaking is as much a mental skill as anything else. Accepting that peak performance also utilises mindset skills is the first step to ensuring that the work invested can be maximised when it counts.

Behind the scenes in Rome

Herb Elliott set a new world record for the mile in a time of 3.54.5 in Dublin in August 1958. Two years later, he set another when he took gold in the 1500 metres at the 1960 Rome Olympics in a time of 3.35.6. Over his short career, before retiring from racing at age 23, he was unbeaten over the 1500 metres and the mile.

Herb provided a unique insight into the lead‐up to the final in Rome in his book with Alan Trengove, The Golden Mile (1960).¹ He shared his thoughts the night before the final as well as during the race. ...