What Makes a "Great" Athlete?

By J. Frussa

On the surface, it may seem simple. Every time Cristiano Ronaldo lands a perfect bicycle kick or Serena Williams hits an outstanding serve, it may seem like pure talent and luck, but what you're seeing is only the tip of the iceberg. Behind every performance is a hidden structure, years of discipline, mental conditioning and quiet sacrifice made these athletes what they are today-superstars.

Physical conditioning and skill training are the very core of what athletes train. They spend hours on end training and practicing for their specific sport every week, not just training when they feel like it. They follow a very specific plan tailored to their strengths and weaknesses. For example, Neymar Junior has a very developed stretch and workout routine that he uses more than five times a week. It includes lots of stretching to prevent injuries, which is extremely important as football is one of the many sports that require extreme muscle strain 24/7. His first actual workout routine includes squat jumps, rope skipping, and short sprints, all of which make him extremely quick on his feet. His second workout focuses on movement preparation, which includes pillar skip, forward lunges and multi directional lunges.

Athletes also follow a healthy diet, but what they actually choose to eat varies for every one of them. Some would rather eat something lighter, and some (including Neymar Junior)tend to love carbs to fuel their body for training. What matters is that they know what works for them and they eat foods that fuel their body from the inside out, guaranteeing excellent results.

Athletes are usually celebrated for their dedication, resilience and physical achievements. But did you know that for many of them, the hardest part about being an athlete isn't the early mornings or the long training sessions before important games, but instead the silent battles that go on in their heads, competing against themselves. Several of them struggle with performance anxiety, burnout, and the psychological and physical strain from injuries. For all of these reasons, athletes have to undergo.

​In conclusion, it’s not only the medal that makes or breaks the athlete, but it’s the silent battles and quiet sacrifices that complete the journey.