By Jonathan Yates, sports writer and talk show host.
Dr. Caroline Silby is a nationally-recognized expert on the development of young female athletes. She has worked on an individual basis with numerous Olympians and national competitors. A former athlete herself, she was a member of the National Figure Skating Team and later served on the board of various sports councils. She teaches at American University and University of Delaware and is the author of “Games Girls Play”.
You earned your bones in figure skating but have also had many clients in Summer Olympics sports. Which ones have you worked in and who were the clients? Gymnastics, swimming, diving, archery, soccer, shooting, TKD, fencing, pole vaulting and the list goes on. As far as who my clients were, I would have to kill you.
Is there a different approach for each sport? There are a common set of concepts and mental strengths that elite athletes need to develop in order to manage the intense pressure inherent in Olympic sports. Distinct differences have been found between highly successful performers (i.e. Olympic medalists) and performers who failed to achieve the level expected of them with regards to focus, commitment, simulation, imagery, recovery and planning. The way in which these skills are developed and strengthened are applicable across most sports. With that said, every sport and team have their own language, culture, dynamics and mental training objectives. These differences inform and drive the approach.
