Adversity-related experiences are essential for Olympic success: Additional evidence and considerations

Abstract

1Drawing on Hardy et al.'s study as the target article, in this commentary, we focus on the 2 adversity-related experiences and consequences of the Olympic and/or World champions that 3 they sampled. With this in mind, we divide the narrative into two main sections. In the first 4 section, we explore the association between adversity-related experiences and Olympic 5 success, and provide additional evidence in support of the notion that adversity-related 6 experiences are essential for success at the highest level of sport. In the second section, we 7 discuss the role of adversity-related experiences in Olympic success considering a series of 8 important psychosocial processes that are required for superior performance. In ending, we 9 reflect on the salient (contentious and ethical) issues in the study and practice of adversity-10 related experiences and sport performance. We hope that our commentary adds to the extant 11 literature and is useful for future study and practice in performance sport.

A Mixed Methods Evaluation of a Pressure Training Intervention to Develop Resilience in Female Basketball Players

“…When setting up pressure training through the use of planned disruptions, it is crucial to consider which other facilitative factors have to be present (Kegelaers et al, 2019). It has previously been argued that the stress exposure in and of itself will not necessarily lead to positive development (Collins, MacNamara, & McCarthy, 2016;Sarkar & Fletcher, 2017). In this regard, metacognitive strategies, such as self-reflection, are an important resilient quality A c c e p t e d M a n u s c r i p t as it allows athletes to identify personal strengths and weaknesses and facilitates learning from stressful experiences, and as such contribute to resilience (Cowden & Meyer-Weitz, 2016;Crane, Searle, Kangas, & Nwiran, 2019;Fletcher & Sarkar, 2012).…”

“…Understanding team resilience in the world's best athletes: A case study of a rugby union World Cup winning team. /doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2014.08.007Morgan, P. B. C.,Fletcher, D., & Sarkar, M. (2017). Recent developments in team resilience research in elite sport.…”

A coach perspective on the use of planned disruptions in high-performance sports.

“…It seems evident that imposing significant adversity or trauma on promising and talented young athletes would be highly problematic and unethical. Increasingly, however, a case is made for the structural inclusion of planned disruptions in the development of talented and elite athletes (Collins & MacNamara, 2012;Sarkar & Fletcher, 2017). Planned disruptions can be described as structured and deliberate activities, whereby athletes are exposed to increased and/or changing demands under controlled conditions.…”

“…It should be noted that a number of scholars have previously advocated the use of planned disruptions without giving concrete examples or clarifying how this can be done in praxis (e.g., Collins & MacNamara, 2012;Sarkar & Fletcher, 2017;Weinberg et al, 2016). Others have examined specific disruptions under highly controlled laboratory conditions, which are not easily replicable in an applied setting or have limited ecological validity (Oudejans & Pijpers, 2010).…”

Psychological Demands of International Rugby Sevens and Well-Being Needs of Elite South African Players

“…Adverse experiences (e.g., non-selection, significant sporting failure, injuries, personal life challenges) plays a vital role in the psychological and performance development of elite athletes as it could result in adaptive behavioral responses and increased resilience (Sarkar et al, 2015). Sarkar and Fletcher (2017) continued that adversity-related experiences (including non-sport life experiences) combined with growth-related processes are essential for success at the elite level. The team’s growth mind-set bodes well for turning possible adverse situations into learning opportunities.…”