The scene was 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. The swimmer, future world record holder, Katie Hoff was in the warm up pool suddenly was seen coughing and spluttering and unable to breathe. She had to be rescued by her coach, Mark Schubert.

He reasssured her that a racing heart rate and clammy plams were normal part of world class racing. Chapmions in every sport have to learn to cope with the pressure of competing at their best on the day performing in front of millions of people all over the world.

Irrational fears can easily over take them. They worry about the heat, whether they have done enough training, whether they will suffocate during the race, whether they will trip over in front of the cameras, whether they will lose their sponsorship if they “only” come second and so it goes on.

Top athletes are now in structed in the art of visaulisation and relaxation techniques. Everyone has self doubts and it is important to learn to redirect the mind onto constructive thoughts. Michael Phelps, 14-time Olympic Gold Medallist, is highly practised at this and can reach  deep state of relaxation at a count of two.

Dara Torres remembers her first international swim meet- she freaked out when she walked out in front of 17,000 screaming fans. She did not swim well in her first heat but by relaxing between races she was able to compete well in the final. She advises the practice is the key to managing anxiety. Michael Phelps has been practising “structured relaxation” since the age of 12yrs. He swims each race over and over in his mind- and sees himself performing successfully and overcoming every obstacle.

A good lesson for anyone suffering anxiety. Practice makes perfect- if it does not work with one try- it is important to practice regularly until you can control your mind better.

If it is good enough for gold medallists- it is good enough for us!

If you need help in the beginning, why not get some guidance from “Panic Away” or “The Linden Method”.

Happy Practising!

Rachel Goldsmith