Photograph Getty
As the world’s greatest athletes converge on Rio, scientists have asked: what’s their secret? They compared the best, the good, and those that didn’t quite make the cut, to reveal what sets true champions apart.
The results showed it’s how athletes faced and overcame obstacles that made the difference. All had roughly comparable traumatic incidents during their careers, but the champs reacted positively. They had a commitment to their sports that couldn’t be deterred. This meant they approached their training with a ‘never satisfied’ attitude, they didn’t miss any challenging training exercises and, following injury, they were determined to get back in the game stronger than ever, when less focused sportsmen and women lost enthusiasm. So to be your best, whether that’s by beating your 10K time, nailing a headstand at yoga or completing the Three Peaks Challenge, it’s all about attitude – hurdles are there for one reason: to be cleared!