Athletes experience both failures and successes throughout their competitive careers.
For elite and Olympic-level athletes, these failures can occur dramatically in front of global audiences.
Take, for instance, the case of seven-time Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, who faced a significant challenge with “the twisties” during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, or the notorious mistake made by former Boston Red Sox first baseman Bill Buckner in the 1986 World Series. Such moments continuously haunt sports fans.
Recently, Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Orion Kerkering added his name to this list after he failed to handle a crucial play, resulting in his team’s playoff exit.
“I just need to keep pushing forward. This is hopefully the start of a long career,” said Kerkering with tears in his eyes when reflecting on the game. “I’ll keep this experience in mind … and get past this hurdle.”
Overcoming such failures is a challenging process. Even Pope Leo XIV recognized this struggle in a recent social media post.
“In our competitive society, it appears that only the strong and victorious have value, yet sports teach us about the art of losing,” he wrote. “It forces us to face our vulnerabilities, limitations, and imperfections.”
Sports psychologists emphasize the need for athletes to accept their failures and develop coping strategies to return to peak performance.
Preparation is Key
While it’s impossible to predict every situation, mental rehearsal can help athletes prepare for potential outcomes.
Robert Andrews, founder and director of The Institute of Sports Performance, has extensive experience as a mental consultant. He has worked with Biles and numerous athletes from various sports.
“Kerkering was highly reactive in that pivotal moment,” Andrews explained. “The pressure of the situation made him susceptible to errors. Effective mental preparation helps athletes stay composed during crucial plays.”
Dealing with Adversity
Once failure occurs, the mental healing begins. Andrews suggests stepping back from social media to avoid the negativity that often follows such events.
“I’ve assisted many players who’ve made critical mistakes. After such events, their minds can spiral,” he said. “Supporting oneself with positive influences is crucial.”
A Positive Mindset
Auerbach noted that more athletes are now open to utilizing mental strategies to bounce back from setbacks.
“Athletes, especially in baseball, are increasingly recognizing the impact of mental health on performance,” Auerbach remarked.
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