Video Analysis: ESPN 30 for 30
1. Sport psychology- Inside the mind of champion athletes
2. In this TED talk, Martin Hagger gives insight on what the meaning of sport psychology
is, what aspects are linked to it (‘Winner’ mentality, motivation, confidence,
self-talk/management) and how successful athletes (Michael Phelps, James Magnusssen,
Rory Mcllroy, Blanka Vlasic, and Yelena Isinbayeva) incorporate it into their process of
preparation and competition.
3. The highlighted issue discussed in the video was the topic of ‘over-confidence’ within the
athlete or audience and how an athlete would recover after an unexpected loss. Hagger
mentioned 3 different times where this was exemplified: Brazil vs Mexico (2012
Olympic soccer final), James Magnussen (100m Olympic final), and Rory Mcllroy (2011
Augusta Masters).
4. This problem ultimately affected these athletes in the same way. During the 2012
Olympic soccer final, Brazil, being the crowd favourite and returning champions they
were expected to win. However, Mexico defeated the Brazilian team, leaving them
confused by the poor performance and embarrassed by their complacence. Hagger
explains that perhaps sport psychology is the reason why highly rated teams may fail
unexpectedly and ‘underrated’ teams may win despite the odds.
5. Golfer Roy Mcllroy, dealt with a loss compatible with the Brazil vs Mexico final.
Although his poor performance cost him his title, he won the U.S Open only 8 weeks
later with no sign of apprehensiveness. We can assume that sport psychology has played a
part in his recovery as a time to practice improved mental preparation, reflection of his
technique and strategy as well as a period of resilience.
6. I agree with how Roy Mcllroy coped with his issue in question because rather than being
reactive, he was proactive. This allowed him the mental capacity to practice certain
aspects of sport psychology, perhaps: Motivation- setting SMART goals for himself,
Self-talk, Confidence and Imagery.
7. If I were in the position of these athletes I would firstly accept the loss with grace. I
would then immediately begin to reflect on key points that would have affected my
performance. Once identifying those things I would make physical notes of my SMART
goals and affirmations and make them the intent of my training until further notice.
1. Sport psychology- Inside the mind of champion athletes
2. In this TED talk, Martin Hagger gives insight on what the meaning of sport psychology
is, what aspects are linked to it (‘Winner’ mentality, motivation, confidence,
self-talk/management) and how successful athletes (Michael Phelps, James Magnusssen,
Rory Mcllroy, Blanka Vlasic, and Yelena Isinbayeva) incorporate it into their process of
preparation and competition.
3. The highlighted issue discussed in the video was the topic of ‘over-confidence’ within the
athlete or audience and how an athlete would recover after an unexpected loss. Hagger
mentioned 3 different times where this was exemplified: Brazil vs Mexico (2012
Olympic soccer final), James Magnussen (100m Olympic final), and Rory Mcllroy (2011
Augusta Masters).
4. This problem ultimately affected these athletes in the same way. During the 2012
Olympic soccer final, Brazil, being the crowd favourite and returning champions they
were expected to win. However, Mexico defeated the Brazilian team, leaving them
confused by the poor performance and embarrassed by their complacence. Hagger
explains that perhaps sport psychology is the reason why highly rated teams may fail
unexpectedly and ‘underrated’ teams may win despite the odds.
5. Golfer Roy Mcllroy, dealt with a loss compatible with the Brazil vs Mexico final.
Although his poor performance cost him his title, he won the U.S Open only 8 weeks
later with no sign of apprehensiveness. We can assume that sport psychology has played a
part in his recovery as a time to practice improved mental preparation, reflection of his
technique and strategy as well as a period of resilience.
6. I agree with how Roy Mcllroy coped with his issue in question because rather than being
reactive, he was proactive. This allowed him the mental capacity to practice certain
aspects of sport psychology, perhaps: Motivation- setting SMART goals for himself,
Self-talk, Confidence and Imagery.
7. If I were in the position of these athletes I would firstly accept the loss with grace. I
would then immediately begin to reflect on key points that would have affected my
performance. Once identifying those things I would make physical notes of my SMART
goals and affirmations and make them the intent of my training until further notice.
