Adam Peaty redefines Olympic success - highlighting sport psychology and the world-class athletes who are sometimes forgotten in a nation's quest for glory
Redefining sporting success
Popular narratives portrayed by some media and news outlets would suggest that when it comes to the Olympics it’s ‘go Gold or go home’, with many headlines about ‘missing out on Gold’. However, from a strengths-based, sport psychology point of view and the perspective of many of the athletes competing on the world stage in this year’s Paris 2024 Olympics, the definition of success can be far wider ranging than winning an Olympic Gold medal.
Adam Peaty has redefined Olympic success in a personal and emotive interview following a tantalisingly close final for the 100m breaststroke, where he achieved an incredible sixth Olympic medal placing joint second. Here at the SPRINT project research group in the School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, we’re a huge fan of Adam and in particular this interview because it highlights some key aspects of sport psychology - bringing attention to how success is defined, athletic identity and beyond, and finally the humans at the centre of world class sporting performance who can be so easily forgotten amongst the weight of a nation’s expectations.
Even before the race you can see that he was looking around and soaking up the atmosphere. If you look closely, you can also spot him using deliberate deep breathing techniques to centre himself before competing. Our work specialises in how athletes can use mental skills such as deep breathing as well as goal setting, reframing and emotion regulation for performance and mental health.
Why ‘missing out’ on Gold is not a bad thing
Is it even really missing out?
“These are happy tears,” Peaty explained in his interview after winning Silver. A powerful statement after admitting he had lost his joy for swimming prior to taking a break due to depression 18 months prior to coming back to the sport. Imagine previously winning five Olympic medals, but not enjoying the experience? Even before the race you can see that he was looking around and soaking up the atmosphere. If you look closely, you can also spot him using deliberate deep breathing techniques to centre himself before competing. Our work specialises in how athletes can use mental skills such as deep breathing as well as goal setting, reframing and emotion regulation for performance and mental health.
Adam states in his post-race interview that just being back competing at this level represented success for him, and it was made even more meaningful by having his son watch his performance. Five-time Olympian Tom Daley has also discussed how he has already won having his two children there at the Olympics. "It's just so special. Doing it in front of my son who asked me to come back is so special. I now have one of every colour, I've completed the set," Daley said in an interview with the BBC.
Having your entire identity tied to your athletic performance can mean that when things don’t go to plan, or even when they do but an athlete retires, panic can set in about who they are as a person. We hear Adam talk about his identity as a father and how he found religion. He speaks about how both aspects have been key to his performance and mental health as well as how he has effectively reframed and redefined success in-line with his values and goals.
Promoting athlete mental health: Moving beyond an athletic identity
We know that identifying solely as an athlete can compromise mental health. Athlete mental health is important for the quality of life they lead as well as their athletic performance. Olympic rower Cath Bishop has been a strong advocate of a more holistic approach which prioritises the athlete as a whole person, authoring the book ‘The Long Win: The Search for a Better Way to Succeed’.
Having your entire identity tied to your athletic performance can mean that when things don’t go to plan, or even when they do but an athlete retires, panic can set in about who they are as a person. We hear Adam talk about his identity as a father and how he found religion. He speaks about how both aspects have been key to his performance and mental health as well as how he has effectively reframed and redefined success in-line with his values and goals.
Over recent years we are starting to witness culture changes in sport at a holistic level, with a vital consensus statement on athlete mental health released from the International Olympic Committee. The English Institute of Sport have also taken key steps at an organisation level to introduce improved mental health support for athletes as well as lifestyle advisors who play a key role in supporting athletes to recognise their skills and qualities (physical and mental), interests and values and transfer skills to life beyond a career as an elite athlete.
The new Nike advert ‘Winning isn’t for everyone: Am I a bad person?’ has received extensive backlash, for example from Dr Karen Mitchell, in how it represents the traits of athletes has further solidified how athletes are redefining success.
With the likes of Simone Biles and Noah Lyles, who advocate for the importance of mental health, yet to complete their performances, the remainder of the Olympics provides the opportune stage for seeing how this culture shift can materialise in action.
Postdoctoral Research and Teaching Fellow
Dr Grace Tidmarsh is a Postdoctoral Research and Teaching Fellow whose expertise lies in process evaluations and translating sport psychology to complex community settings.
Assistant Professor in Sport and Exercise Psychology
Dr Mary Quinton is a Lecturer in Lifestyle Behaviour Change
Professor of Sport and Exercise Psychology
Dr Jennifer Cumming is an expert in the imagery and observational learning use of athletes, exercisers, and dancers.
