Written by Greatness, no matter how long, sticks with a man. (Yes, I used the Gene Hackman reference from The Replacements again) But what is seldom thought about is, “What about greatness at an athlete’s early age?”
I believe these situations have more potential to crush an athlete than potential to help them. (Except for the most elite athletes … that’s why they’re the best, incase that wasn’t obvious)
However, I understand this as an altruism of Sports. Let me give a brief story – when I was a Freshman at Laurel Highlands High School, I was the #1 Pole-Vaulter in the country for my age. I then got older, got cocky at times, and other vaulters began to … let’s just say “kick my butt.”
I was no “failure,” but I learned a very serious lesson during those years – I wasn’t mature enough to handle such success yet. I had plenty of natural talent, but afterwards, I became lackluster. I always trained hard, but I lost my confidence as I aged because, to be blunt, I was put in my place.
And that, is precisely how Early Greatness can hurt an athlete’s long-term Mental Health. I interviewed two of my close friends and coaches on the topic.
As Head Coach Zack McBride puts it, “In my opinion, ‘natural ability athletes,’ do tend to struggle when his/her confidence breaks. They realize that other athletes don’t mature as early, but work like crazy and surpass others. That realization is very difficult for a young and successful athlete.” And I couldn’t agree more. Pole Vault Coach Mike Stark (Carnegie Mellon University) feels similarly, although with a unique and cool perspective.
When asked about the topic of Early Greatness and Mental Health, Coach Stark said, “An athlete that achieves so much at an early age, well … frankly, expectations are put on that athlete, and the drive shifts to fulfilling others’ expectations instead of competing for themself. It’s hurt too many athlete’s mentalities.”
Coach Stark continued to state the importance of the psychology of a Pole-Vaulter. He says, “As a young vaulter, one can easily obtain a personal best by several feet in one practice, let alone a week! Then, as the vaulter progresses, the improvements come in inches and (for the highly elite) centimeters. I believe that such a shift over the years of athletic development weighs heavy on a vaulter’s psyche.” (I personally believe this to be quite profound)
All of Coach McBride and Coach Stark’s insight helps to reveal the hardships that early success can have on an athlete. Whether such success creates arrogance and a lack of effort, or it harms the athlete by feeling the need to live up to expectations – Mental Health is harmed.
The main point is to be aware of these changes whether you’re the The Leader, The Soldier, or The Supporter; you’re always a team, and WE can prevent negative Mental Health together. However it may manifest.
I don’t shine if you don’t shine. Cheers to good Mental Health, Cheers to true teams, and as always, from Mike, Zack, and I (My beloved friends) Cheers to Sports.