How to Train Like an Olympian

MINDSET

Bronze Medal Winners are happier than Silver Medal Winners!

Research into the psychology of Olympic athletes has revealed an intriguing phenomenon: bronze medalists often report being happier than silver medalists. This counterintuitive finding is largely explained by a concept known as "counterfactual thinking," which involves comparing actual outcomes with what might have been. For silver medalists, the dominant counterfactual thought is usually "I was so close to winning gold," which can lead to feelings of regret and dissatisfaction. Their focus tends to be on the narrow margin by which they missed out on the top spot, making their achievement feel less fulfilling despite the high honor of second place.

In contrast, bronze medalists are more likely to engage in downward counterfactual thinking, such as "At least I made it to the podium," or "I almost didn't get a medal at all." This mindset fosters a sense of relief and gratitude, enhancing their happiness. Instead of lamenting what they missed, bronze medalists often celebrate what they achieved. Research studies, including those using facial expression analysis and self-reported happiness measures, consistently show that bronze medalists express more positive emotions than their silver-medalist counterparts, demonstrating how our perceptions and comparisons can significantly impact our emotional well-being.

WORLD

Raygun Battles On!

Rachael Gunn, better known by her electrifying nickname "Raygun," is an Aussie breakdancing dynamo who recently hit the Olympic stage with her signature moves. However, after her daring performance, she found herself in the crosshairs of some harsh online trolls.

The flood of criticism has been brutal and often reeks of misogyny. Nasty comments about her looks and her Olympic routine have swarmed her Instagram, turning old posts into battlegrounds of mockery and abuse. Unfortunately, this kind of toxic behavior is all too familiar for female athletes who are often unfairly targeted just for being themselves.

But Raygun isn’t fighting this battle alone. Australia’s Chef de Mission, Anna Meares, stepped up to the plate, publicly slamming the trolls and calling out the tired old pattern of misogynistic criticism that women in sports have faced for ages.

The online harassment didn’t go unnoticed by those who’ve got Raygun’s back. Australia’s breaking federation quickly rallied to her side, offering her mental health support as the negativity ramped up.

This whole situation shines a spotlight on the ugly truth of cyberbullying that many female athletes endure on social media. The relentless digital abuse takes a toll on their well-being and highlights the urgent need for change in how we protect and support these athletes online.

But despite the storm, Raygun showed her true colors and didn’t let the haters get her down. She took the stage once more at the closing ceremony, delivering a performance for her team that was as fierce and unforgettable as she is. Raygun's resilience proves that no amount of online hate can dim her shine!

GEAR

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