Can psychology give London 2012 athletes more of a sporting chance?
Monday 11 June 2012
While many people are quick to dismiss Usain Bolt’s pre-race antics as showmanship and perhaps a ploy to unnerve fellow athletes, two academics from the University of East London (UEL) have spoken of how such psychological tactics can play a significant part in athletes’ performances during major sporting competitions.
In a recent public lecture at London’s Science Museum, Chartered Sport and Exercise Psychologist, James Beale, and Senior Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Psychology, Dr Richard Buscombe, offered a fascinating insight into how athletes can use psychology to improve their performance during events, such as the 2012 Olympic Games.
As part of the ‘Psychology of Sport’ lecture, UEL and other leading experts in the field of sports psychology explored the psychological factors that could influence athletes at the London 2012 Games. Will the advantage of being based on home ‘turf’ be a help or hindrance to Team GB, and will positive psychology techniques such as sports psychology, be the next big thing in competitive sport?
Speaking at the event, James Beale said: “The importance of psychology in sporting competition at the highest level should never be underestimated, as athletes have claimed that up to 90% of their performance is down to the psychological side of their game.
“It was really beneficial for us to speak to fellow academics and the public about sport psychology. It also gave us an excellent opportunity to dispel a few widely held myths around sport psychology.”
Notes to Editors
The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.
