Lysa Caval, the U21 Kitefoil World Champion, of which Titan Engineering is a sponsor, talks to us about how she manages stress during her training sessions
Following the Youth World Championships, I visited my partner Titan Engineering to exchange with team members. We discussed my title as Youth World Champion, which was the highlight of my year, and the following question was posed to me:
“But what changed compared to the European Championships that took place a month and a half earlier, where I finished 5th without winning any heats?”
What changed is my mindset, specifically the improvement in my stress management, thanks to professionals in the field (mental coach, psychologist). At Titan Engineering, stress management is a crucial point addressed during training sessions for employees because they face significant responsibilities.
On my part, here’s what I could apply before the competition:
-I identified the sources of my stress and my strengths as a competitor, as well as in stress management.
-I understood that I needed a balance between confidence and doubt.
-Finally, I anticipated technical and organizational problems to save time during the competition.
During the competition,
-I communicate with my coach, and he guides me to find quick solutions in case of problems.
-I don’t look too far ahead; I take each heat as an independent race.
After a day of competition,
-I debrief; it’s essential. It allows me to analyze my mistakes and successes.
-It’s time to stay focused and relax a bit after a good day. Again, I don’t project myself onto the end of the championship because anything can happen in a day.
In conclusion, I think stress management is a matter of balance. One shouldn’t get carried away after a good heat but rather not dwell too much on it to focus on the next one. It’s also about breathing, which helps to calm down, motivate oneself, or concentrate.
Thank you, Lysa, for sharing this testimony and talking to us about your sports experience and stress management in a situation where emotion, fear, and ambition can be determining factors in the success of a project.
