Become A Better Athlete In 2021 — 3 Tips To Improve Performance

2020 was one of the most difficult years for everyone in recent history. The coronavirus pandemic, social distancing, and mandatory lockdowns were tough on everyone. However, it also had an unexpected increase in the number of people determined to improve their health and become more active. For athletes as well, the year 2020 proved by a huge obstacle as they struggled to find ways to continue their training sessions and maintain their health.

Fortunately, the year 2021 is full of hope as the vaccines are being rolled out and normal life is being resumed all over the world. It is also the perfect year for people who want to improve their performance, become better athletes, and find more success during competitions.

Here are some tried and tested tips for boosting performance and becoming a successful athlete that I discovered during my journey of becoming the first black male Skeleton athlete from Ghana to compete in the Olympics:

Fuel Your Body Right!

Diet is one of the most essential aspects of becoming a great athlete. If you don’t provide proper fuel for your body, you will never be able to push yourself to the limits without injuring yourself. Cut back on the unhealthy stuff such as sugar and carbs and focus more on lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Make sure you stay hydrated and get proper rest every day to wake up refreshed and full of energy.

Master The Fundamentals First

Many athletes have the bad habit if rushing their training and jumping into an intense training regime. This often leads to injuries and does more damage than good. Mastering the fundamentals and doing simple stuff such as general strength building, mobility drills, body conditioning, and aerobic exercises can prepare your body before you move on to the heavier exercise. It also reduces the chance of injuries and builds your stamina so you can work out harder and longer without getting exhausted once you start the intense stuff.

Don’t Forget To Train Your Brain

Having the right mindset is vital if you wish to reach your true athletic potential. Your mental outlook can either hinder your performance or help it during both training and competitions. Training your brain by employing various skills such as perseverance and growth mindset can help you stay focused and respond to each failure with positivity. It is also important to look up to other athletes that have beat tremendous odds and achieved what a lot of people though was impossible.

For more inspiration and motivation and expert athletic advice, follow my journey as I train for the upcoming Beijing Olympics 2022 to win the gold for my country, Ghana!