Sports psychologists and scientists haven’t concluded yet just how much of an athlete’s success is ability and talent, and how much of it is psychological. However, take it from an athlete who’s competed with the very best on the highest level: the latter is extremely important.

As a youngster studying in the Netherlands, I was quite a gifted athlete. However, I wouldn’t have been half as successful as I’m today had I not complemented my talents with patience, hard work, and an unbreakable will.

The following are some personality traits which, in my opinion, define an elite athlete.

Self-Confidence

I’ve faced a lot of setbacks on my journey to becoming Ghana’s first skeleton athlete. When I was a young sprinter, I couldn’t compete internationally because of illegal immigrant status, and when I was 24-years old, my dream of competing in the 2012 Olympic Games were destroyed by injury.

However, in these difficult moments, I always had confidence in myself. I was confident in my abilities, and I was confident that my hard work was going to pay off. This unwavering self-confidence was a major reason why I achieved the things that I did.

Strong Sense of Motivation

It takes a lot more than money and fame to motivate elite athletes. Speaking for myself, I was motivated by my unending desire to beat the competition, to become the best, and perhaps more importantly—to do my nation proud and to become someone who inspires others. When times got tough, I desperately wanted to prove to myself that all my hard work wasn’t for nothing.

An Innate Desire To Succeed

I’ve competed on an international level in multiple sports—against some of the world’s finest athletes. Now, I have a tremendous amount of respect and love for my peers. However, throughout my career, my biggest competition has been myself. I’ve never competed to be better than anyone else besides myself, and it’s my inner desire to succeed that drives me to deliver my best each and every time.

Regardless of what it is that spurs on your drive—the roar of the audience, the flag of your country, or the glint of Olympic gold, the need to succeed must come from within you.

Renowned athlete and motivational speaker, Akwasi Frimpong made history at the 2018 Winter Olympics, when he became Ghana’ first skeleton athlete. You can learn more about his incredible story  here.