Sports psychologist tells Ross and John why athletes ‘choke’

A sports psychologist has told Ross and John what makes athletes choke.

Australian swimming star Cate Campbell finished fifth in the 50m freestyle, describing her performance as ‘possibly the greatest choke in Olympic history’.

Gavin Freeman told 3AW Breakfast an athlete’s body doesn’t perform by itself, it needs the mind to remain focused.

‘The brain can stop sending the right messages and, all of a sudden, the body doesn’t perform in the way it’s been trained to,’ Mr Freeman said.

‘As they’re hitting the water, all the elements that go into being an elite athlete can be completely undone by that grey matter between the ears.’

Mr Freeman said mental skill can be trained if you give it the time.

Click play to hear the full story