Where Sport Science meets everyday life…
Is winning everything and what can the Olympic legacy mean to us?
By Jane Razavet
Biography
Jane is an award winning undergraduate sport scientist at St Mary’s University College. As a triathlete with a passion for sport and fitness, she specialises in the biomechanics of running and empowering individuals to reach their true potential through sport. Jane has competed in triathlon events around the world, as well as climbing Mont Ventoux, the legendary Tour De France ascent.
With the Olympic Games and Paralympics fast approaching medals are on everyone’s minds. For the athletes themselves, years of hard work and commitment to their sports will hopefully be rewarded. As a nation we will be very proud to appear as near to the top of the medals table as possible and watch our sportsmen and women experience the joy of competing, representing Great Britain and making it on to the podium. The importance of winning cannot be denied, after all sport is inherently competitive, however not everyone can come first, therefore it is essential that we also acknowledge the importance of those athletes who participate in sport and not just those who win the medals.
Where does the motivation come from to participate in sport? If there can only ever be one real winner, how does an athlete stay motivated if they don’t/can’t win? Motivational lessons can be learned from our sportsmen and women that we can apply to the everyday world of working in health and fitness with our clients, members or class participants.
Participation is of course another side to sport and the Games which is of critical importance, that we must praise, breed and celebrate; The legacy of the Games provides all individuals in the country with a greater opportunity for increased participation in sport and the possibility to experience the joys and health benefits of physical activity. It can only truly be taken advantage of however, if people enjoy the journey of taking part rather than believing that winning is the only important factor.
Individuals are shaped by the motivational climate they are exposed to as part of their own sporting cultural capital. That is, the beliefs and values they experience about the importance of winning or losing. This can color what success and failure equate to, and what the reasons are for participating particularly when growing up.
As a result, in life and in sport or physical activity, individuals may be either more goal orientated, i.e. believe in winning, reward, and competition, or more process orientated and enjoy mastering new skills by participating and achieving personal goals, rather than feeling the need to compete against others. It’s interesting to think about where you believe you and or your clients stand in this continuum. More importantly how your behavior influences your life and how your clients behavior influences their life and therefore how success and achievement will be measured by them and by you when training them. This is in fact crucial to the overall feeling of success and thereby adherence to any programme.
Ultimately understanding an individual’s position, be that your own or your clients with regards to goal orientation can have a serious impact on motivation. Will they participate in a sport or physical activity programme, whether they are likely to persevere, how confident the they will feel and how much they will enjoy participating. The more process orientated an individual is rather than goal orientated the better! Therefore as an athlete, a coach, a personal trainer or someone who simply wants to keep fit and well, values and beliefs regarding sport and the motivational climate you foster are of the utmost importance.
Whilst watching the Olympics and Paralympics this summer let’s all celebrate and embrace the importance of winning for some, alongside the joys, challenges and health benefits of participating in sport for many. Above all we must endeavor to pass on this knowledge so that we can all play a part in the legacy of the Games and help ourselves and future generations lead happier, healthier and more fulfilling lives through sport and physical activity.