The Mental Game : Lessons from the Paralympics and Beyond with Jaco Smit

20/12/2024 28 min Temporada 1 Episodio 87

Listen "The Mental Game : Lessons from the Paralympics and Beyond with Jaco Smit"

Episode Synopsis

In this compelling episode of The Long Game, we explore the journey of Jaco, a Paralympic athlete whose story is a powerful testament to resilience, dedication, and the mental toughness required to achieve greatness.
From winning his first national championship in 2011 to representing his country at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Jaco shares the invaluable lessons he’s learned. He reflects on the challenges of being passed over for the Olympic team in 2021, the doubts he faced, and the fire that kept him going.
Jaco’s journey is rooted in his upbringing in a disadvantaged community, where resilience and vision became his guiding principles. Along the way, I had the privilege of supporting him as his mental skills coach, helping him develop the sport psychology tools needed to stay focused under pressure, handle rejection, and excel on the world stage. Together, we worked on strategies that not only enhanced his performance in critical moments but also helped him navigate the mental demands of competing at the Paralympic Games.
This episode also highlights our sessions during the Olympics, where we worked through challenges and honed his mental game. Jaco’s story is more than an athlete’s journey; it’s a blueprint for turning setbacks into stepping stones and embracing the lessons that come with every challenge.
Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or someone chasing a dream, this episode will inspire you to harness the power of mental strength, resilience, and perseverance to reach extraordinary heights.

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