Category: psychology

NEW book – Beyond the Chalk Box

Published Aug. 20 2024.

Interviews with Akash Modi, Justin Spring, John McReady, Kim Zmeskal, Betty Okino, Tracee Talavera, and more.

… unfiltered and heartfelt interviews presented in Beyond the Chalk Box. …

… the challenges and triumphs of former elite gymnasts …

Beyond the Chalk Box is not just a chronicle of athletic accomplishments. It’s a valuable resource for athletes, shedding light on the often-neglected aspects of athlete well-being.

It underscores the significance of a comprehensive approach to health, longevity, and joy in sports.

The book explores tools such as mindfulness, spirituality, self-compassion, visualization, and introspection, providing practical insights on how athletes can navigate the intricacies of their sport and cultivate resilience in the face of challenges.

Amazon

Theresa Kulikowski-Gillespie is a holistic wellness and performance coach, physician assistant (PA), certified mindfulness meditation teacher, Army veteran …

A former 1996 Olympic Team Alternate and NCAA Champion, she now lives at West Point, NY, with her family and goldendoodle, Ollie.

winning athletes are fierce

Disclaimer ➙ Not ALL winning athletes are as fierce as Michael Jordan. But many are.

It can be difficult to find a healthy life / sport balance.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

2024 Summer Paralympics Paris

The Summer Paralympics begin August 28th.

While far less popular with the general public, we should appreciate that some of these athletes train as hard as anyone. There will be some fantastic stories out of the Games.

Something tells me you best not mess with Bebe Vio, defending Paralympic champion in the foil B category.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

deep dive – Men’s Gymnastics in Paris

I learned a lot from listening to Kensley and Sam recap the Paris Games.

Both were unconvinced by the judging of the Floor Apparatus Final.

Should Yulo have won Gold?

Paul Hall stepped down as British Gymnastics men’s head national coach. Recall he was appointed in 2018 after Eddie van Hoof was removed. Eddie is now leading the resurgent Canadian team.

Kensley was in Paris as an analyst. Shares some behind the scenes stories.

Sam talks much about strategy, team building, and psychology of competing at the highest level.

He has advice on what the USA needs for Los Angelos 2028.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube. (1hr 45min)

father consoles daughter after missing medal

Fred Sirieix and his daughter Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix in Paris.

THIS is how to parent.

mental training of routines at the competition

Paul Juda was amazingly consistent over his Olympic run.

inspiring kids to do Gymnastics

Handing out medals to just a few is only one small goal of the Olympic Movement.

Motivating children to do sport — I’d argue — is much more important.

Beacon, the USAG “therapeutic companion”

Follow Beacon on Instagram.

Introducing Beacon: The dog that helps the U.S. gymnastics team after Simone Biles’ mental health problems