Written by Let’s face it, Sport Culture doesn’t shine if the athlete doesn’t shine internally. I always have believed that when one has conquered their own mind, then and only then will achieve true athletic brilliance.
Unfortunately for me, I was never able to overcome certain aspects of competition anxiety. I did have a healthy and successful career in Pole-Vaulting, but I want to admit that mentally, I am truthfully weak. For years I stifled my fears and succeeded, but behind the scenes, I was always scared.
I don’t think Sports Anxiety can be explained. (Let alone general anxiety) Moreover, these conditions are impossible to truly explain to someone else without a tremendous amount of detail to one’s own “skeletons,” and telling such a story can be quite hard to do.
For example, I was always afraid of switching to a different vaulting pole during a Track & Field meet (yeah it can be scary, you never know if the pole could break while you’re more than 16 feet in the air … go look at “pole vault fails” on YouTube) or maybe you miss a field goal to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers in the playoffs because you were anxious … yes, I am speaking to you directly Mike Vanderjagt. (If you got the reference, thank you) Sport anxiety is real, and if we as a country support one another through our “lows” Sport Culture and performance will improve overall.
I had the distinct pleasure of speaking to Mr. Chris Nilsen, Olympic Silver Medalist in the Pole Vault. Chris carries an impressive personal best jump of 5.97 meters (19’ 7”) and is among the best American male pole-vaulters of all-time, but never boasts about it. Chris weighed in on Mental Health in Sports and its importance in Sport Culture.
As Chris states, “Mental health is huge, and you must deal with day-to-day issues too. We’ve all been through a rough spot, but it’s all about a combination of stressors … if you have a couple rough competitions in a row, the next is going to be harder mentally. We all have our hardships, but an athlete’s goal is to keep that out of your mind.”
Chris’ favorite moment in Pole Vaulting is winning the Olympic Trials, “Yes, I did well in the Olympics, but after making the team … you can’t ever take that away from an athlete. Of course, I had so much anxiety, but it was never depressing, it was just exhausting.” Any athlete can let anxiety wake you up, and you can always find support in your fellow vaulters.
Chris explained that his good friend, Sam Kendricks (American Record-Holder with 6.06 meters) told him, “You will fail in this sport if you don’t get to know everyone and be kind to them.” Come on guys and gals, if that’s not supporting Sport Culture and quality Mental Health, what is? Chris and Sam embody this Culture. (And are just two cool dudes)
In summation, I wanted to include my favorite quote that I believe accurately depicts the reality of Mental Health, “Of course all of this is happening inside of your head, but why on Earth should that mean it is not real?”
You’re not alone. Reach out. In doing so, you not only help your performance in Sport, but you also make yourself a healthier person.
As always everyone, from Chris and I, cheers to Sports and proper Mental Health Awareness.
Featured Above: Chris Nilsen, Olympic Silver Medalist. Courtesy of The Mitchell Republic