EKAITZ SAIES

Michael Phelps won his first Olympic medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics. He earned a bronze medal in the men’s 200-meter freestyle, a race famously dubbed the “Race of the Century,” where he competed against top swimmers like Ian Thorpe and Pieter Van Den Hoogenband. Phelps also secured six gold medals and another bronze at the same games, showcasing his incredible talent early in his Olympic career. At just 19 years old, this marked the beginning of his historic Olympic career, where he would eventually amass a total of 28 medals.

Phelps used imagery and visualization extensively to prepare for his races. His coach, Bob Bowman, introduced him to this mental training early in his career. Phelps would visualize his races every night, imagining every detail from the perfect execution to potential obstacles like a broken goggle. This mental rehearsal allowed him to stay calm under pressure and react effectively in real scenarios, as his mind had already “experienced” various outcomes. This technique contributed significantly to his dominance in swimming, including his record-breaking achievements at the Olympics.

Research has demonstrated that imagery can significantly enhance performance by improving concentration, boosting confidence, and aiding in the mental preparation necessary for competition. Athletes may visualize themselves executing skills successfully, coping with challenging situations, or even achieving their desired outcomes, which fosters a sense of familiarity and preparedness during actual performance.

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