The first Olympic Games I followed closely were the Atlanta 1996 Games. While I have memories of watching both the Seoul 1988 and Barcelona 1992 Olympics, I was still quite young at the time to fully grasp the stories, rivalries, and achievements that defined those events. Atlanta marked a turning point, as I was old enough to engage with the narratives, celebrate the victories, and truly appreciate the magnitude of the Games.
Among the countless tales of courage etched into Olympic history, few are as stirring as Kerri Strug’s at the 1996 Atlanta Games. Strug, a member of the celebrated “Magnificent Seven,” stood on the brink of her sport’s ultimate achievement as the U.S. gymnastics team sought its first-ever gold medal in the team competition. The outcome hung by a thread, resting on her final vault.
On her first attempt, disaster struck. Strug landed awkwardly, her ankle giving way, tearing ligaments in a moment that seemed to shatter the dream. Limping and in visible agony, she faced an impossible choice: withdraw, or vault again. Summoning unparalleled resolve, she sprinted down the runway for her second attempt. She soared through the air, twisting and turning with precision, and landed with one foot firmly planted while the other dangled in pain. The instant she raised her arms to salute, she collapsed to the mat.
That vault earned the decisive score, sealing an unprecedented gold for Team USA.
Dealing with difficulties during the WINTER phase can be hard and painful. However, the closer we get to the main competitions of the season the more psychologically challenging things can get. Therefore, preparation to any eventuality is even more important.
High-performance athletes train their bodies and minds for the rigors of competition, yet they are not immune to life’s challenges, which can surface at any moment. Setbacks such as injuries, cancellations, or personal losses can disrupt an athlete’s pre-competition mindset and performance readiness. Learning to navigate these challenges effectively is crucial to maintaining resilience and mental well-being in high-stakes environments. In the chapter dedicated to this ability, we focused on a Stoic approach. In this chapter we will focus on strategies for managing adversity in a pre-competition setting, helping ourselves to stay composed, adapt, and remain focused despite the circumstances.
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EKAITZ SAIES 
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