As an athlete, mental strength is just as important as physical strength during your performance. In track and field at the Olympics, something a lot of people don’t realize is that you’re waiting around for at least an hour after your warm up and before you compete, in an area called the “Call Area”. They do most of the logistics in this area, like check your gear/shoes and make sure it’s approved, organize the athletes into their specific heats and lanes, and other small things like that. It also requires a lot of waiting. Just sitting next to your biggest rivals from around the globe who want to beat you as bad as you want to bear them. It can be easy to get lost in your nerves and anxiety in that moment. Telling yourself stories of why your opponents look stronger or more ready than you are. This is exactly why it’s important to develop that mental fortitude. Reminding yourself of all the hard work it took to get to that moment, all of the skills you’ve developed to get here....