Athletes with great mental toughness are often said to have “heart,” and fans love watching these types of athletes go all-out when competing. While mental toughness is certainly an invaluable piece to peak athletic performance (Mind of Steel), it appears that some athletes may actually be too mentally tough for their own good. In other words, being tough to the point where immanent danger is disregarded can lead to devastating consequences.
ESPN the Magazine (May 16, 2011) recently examined the great dangers some athletes face when they ignore dangerous warning signs in their pursuit of victory. There are countless sport examples over the years where we have witnessed athletes seemingly completely disregard their physical safety – and in worst-case scenarios terrible things have occurred as a result.
Whether it’s the cage fighter who won’t tap out when being pummeled, or the gymnast that insists on completing her routine when visibly in excruciating pain, some athletes simply refuse to quit. Recently we witnessed Boston Celtics All-Star guard Rajon Rondo come back to play in a game only moments after it appeared as though he may have broken his arm – a feat that amazed everyone. Fortunately in Rondo’s case he finished the game OK, but what about the thousands of athletes who play against better advice?
Sports are unique in that success is primarily dependent on physical exertion – something we don’t usually worry about in our traditional 8-5 jobs. Athletes often live by the gold standard of training – “No pain, no gain” – and as a result sometimes push their bodies to limits that are simply unattainable (and dangerous). The paradox is that we want athletes to push to be the best, which often relies on this potentially dangerous “push.”
Making things even more complicated is the fact that tough athletes are rewarded for being tough, as evidenced by their legions of fans and followers. The hockey fighter is appreciated for his dangerous play, further feeding future dangerous decisions. It is for this reason some athletes push too far, often against their logical judgement.
The reality is that athletes risk great injury, and sometimes even death, when they continue to play when a serious injury seems likely. Fortunately, in most cases a coach or official steps in and prevents something tragic from happening, but this is not always the case. The key for athletes is to learn as much as possible about their own boundaries and limitations, and always keep lifelong health as the primary factor when dealing with risky athletic situations.
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