EQUESTRIAN: Advanced Elective workshop
19th April 2016, State Equestrian Centre
story by Brad Scott: WAIS & Athletics Australia athlete, Paralympic Games 800m, 1500m runner.
Today I teamed up with Joe for
what was his first Developing Champions facilitation. As a former professional
tennis player, Joe knows what it takes to reach the top level and the
dedication it requires. So it was a great opportunity to gain another athlete’s
perspective on elite sport. And I don’t know if Joe could have had a better
group to start. The experienced athletes from Equestrian WA were top
notch. As always, they were attentive, cooperative and able to have
plenty of laughs. Great fun!
As I find the human mind
absolutely fascinating, I’ve been reading plenty of books related to the topic.
Recently I finished a book titled ‘The Rise of Superman’, where athlete’s
optimal mental state or ‘flow state’ was the main focus. This is why,
when we started our first elective ‘Understanding Mental Skills’, I couldn’t
stop smiling.
We sent the athletes back in time
to think about, what they believed to be their best performance. After they
identified this performance, we asked the athletes to share their experience.
What I found amazing was when the athletes described their performances, most
started with a negative situation. Being, an injury, the weather, or a poor
start to the competition, they then enlighten us about how they overcame these
obstacles to achieve a performance to which they were proud of themselves.
Funnily enough, sometimes it didn’t end in victory. It shows that it’s not
always about winning.
Being a track athlete,
routines are a must! I need to make sure that each component of my competition
preparation is planned and actioned effectively. My personal routine is very
detailed. I write down each and every element that is involved in my
performance. However, I have it easy, as I only need to worry about one person
(or animal), me. I couldn’t comprehend what it is like to compete with a horse,
let alone the routine required to do so. So it was great to see the athletes go
through each element of their warm up with their horses. We even used chair as
props. Let’s just say that I’m glad that I do athletics.
Another favourite of mine, the
marshmallow and spaghetti tower challenge, was attempted by the athletes.
20 marshmallows, 40 pieces of spaghetti and 10 minutes to see who can
build the tallest free-standing (important rule, this one). As they broke off
into their groups, some athletes discussed a plan, where some went straight
into building. A few led, whilst others were happy to follow. The reason why
this exercise is best done in groups and not individually, is that it’s all
about communication. As it is the key to any effective relationship. Let alone
the World Championship of Marshmallow Spaghetti Tower Building.
After 10 mins I must say
that I’m glad there wasn’t a breeze. As some towers were looking quite fragile.
As always, 1 winner must be chosen. The winning height was around 60 cm. Not a
bad effort at all. How do you think you would go?
Overall it was a great day back
out at the Swan Valley. I love it out there. I think I have found my new long
run location.
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