Olympic contenders utilize a variety of strategies to secure a psychological edge over their rivals. While some tactics may be intentional, many are instinctive behaviors that the athletes may not fully comprehend. Below are 10 mental tactics to observe.
1 Routines and Superstitions
On the day of competition, athletes often adhere to a consistent routine from the moment they wake up. This may involve superstitions related to clothing order or specific actions performed before their event starts. For instance, Usain Bolt raised his index finger skyward as he positioned himself in the blocks, likely hoping for divine favor. The perceived effectiveness of these rituals largely stems from the personal control they instill. Research indicates that when athletes are encouraged to set aside their routines temporarily, their performance can deteriorate.
2 Slow is Smooth
Despite their focus on speed, sprinters often enter the stadium at a leisurely pace and take their time gearing up for the race. This slow movement isn’t about conserving energy, as sprinters don’t expend much energy during sprints of 100 or 200 meters. Instead, it helps to project an image of size, relaxation, and intimidation.
3 In the Zone
Athletes frequently gaze straight ahead in a trance-like state while waiting for their race to start. This focused demeanor serves to enhance concentration but also communicates to their opponents that they are committed, professional, and formidable. It’s rare to see athletes smiling before the race, as such expressions often signal non-threatening intentions, contrasting with the aggressive message competitive athletes wish to convey.
4 Energy to Spare
As sprinters and hurdlers align at the starting line, some may jump in the air as if still warming up. This behavior mirrors what zoologists describe as “stotting.” For instance, when gazelles spot a lion and escape, they often stot, demonstrating their fitness and signaling to the predator that they will be hard to catch.
5 Psyching Up
While many athlete routines are quiet and subtle, there are moments right before the competition when they energetically pump themselves up, often by shouting motivational phrases or slapping their bodies. Karsten Warholm, the Olympic champion in the men’s 400m hurdles, is well-known for this frantic preparation, occasionally slapping his face and legs. The most vivid displays of psyching up can be found in weightlifting, where athletes exhibit heightened fervor and dramatics.
Karsten Warholm energizes himself by slapping himself before a race. Photograph: Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images
6 No Sweat
One effective approach is to portray the contest as effortless. A historical instance of this occurred during the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki when Czech runner Emile Zatopek, already a winner in the 5,000m and 10,000m, decided to enter his first marathon. Jim Peters, the British runner, was heavily favored to take the win. However, after catching up with Peters, Zatopek casually asked if he was running fast enough, then surged ahead to finish first, while Peters did not finish the race.
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7 Sandbagging
This tactic is essentially the reverse of “No sweat,” as athletes make a conscious effort to downplay their strengths. They may walk with a limp, use supportive bandages, or otherwise present themselves as unprepared. These deceptive strategies are intended to lower their opponents’ perception of the effort required to beat them.
8 Winning Ways
Studies reveal that people can accurately identify winners when shown photographs of athletes who have triumphed or lost. Research on facial “width-to-height ratio” (fWHR) indicates that individuals with wider faces tend to be more dominant and competitive, often performing well in physically demanding sports like mixed martial arts. Moreover, fighters who maintain a serious expression pre-fight have a greater likelihood of victory compared to those who smile.
9 Celebrations
A common sight among victorious athletes is their outstretched arms as they cross the finish line or their energetic displays of triumph after scoring or winning a match. Despite expending similar energy throughout the race, winners appear to have plenty of stamina left, while losers often look spent. This demonstrates that winning is invigorating both psychologically and physically, in stark contrast to the fatigue that accompanies losing.
Usain Bolt exhibits his signature outstretched arms pose while securing the 200m gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Photograph: Thomas Kienzle/AP
10 Podium Displays
Research indicates that gold medalists are typically the happiest and most expressive, while bronze medalists often display larger smiles than silver winners. This phenomenon stems from the silver medalist’s tendency towards “counterfactual thinking,” where they fixate on hypothetical scenarios that could have led to a different result. Gold medalists, brimming with elation over their victory, differ from bronze medalists, who feel grateful to have secured a medal.
