At the Olympics, many athletes fail because of the pressure. Sports psychologist Christian Heiss explains why relaxation exercises are not a panacea – and what could help.
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Christian Heiss takes on the role of Welfare Officer for the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) at the Olympic Games and takes care of the mental health of all team members.
THE TIME: Mr. Heiss, what role does the head play? Olympic Games?
Christian Heiss: This varies from athlete to athlete. And at the same time, it’s hard for me to imagine that there’s anyone whose head is completely calm when they’re at… Olympia gets started.
TIME: There were a few instances in these games where it was said that pressure played a role. Figure skater Ilia Malinin’s botched free skate, for example. Atle Lie McGrath’s exit from the slalom. Franziska Preuß in biathlon. What’s happening there?
