The Correct Mental Mindset

The physical preparation and capacity of an athlete is still the most important part of the total package which forms a champion. Today, a lot of attention goes to the mental strength and support of the athlete and that is justified but without the physical potential it is just an afterthought.

Some people have this mental strength born with them. It comes from a basic self confidence and self belief. Others need guidance and mental training and support to reach that point of inner relaxation.

In Flanders that is where it often goes wrong. We do not have centuries or a millennium of autonomy. Of independence. For the country nor for the individual who was always under the control of external powers and for the Flanders people, even after 1830, of the French speaking aristocracy and industrial leaders. The Flemish movement and its people are still mentally shaking off the shackles of the many occupations. The self belief and self esteem is still very low in general.

Some athletes already talk the talk but in most cases that is just camouflaging the inner doubts which come to light in the major competitions where they are often partly immobilised or paralysed by that inner doubt. The recent track and field world championships in 2025 and the 2026 winter olympics have proven the point. In both competitions the athletes have underdelivered significantly.

No athlete has the right to point at their coaches or managers (as they have chosen them) or federations (whose impact should be kept controllable by the athlete) or for sickness or injuries. If you are sick or injured and not ready an athlete should not start. When he or she starts you declare yourself ready. But many Flemish athletes will take the start out of fear to otherwise lose subsidies or sponsorships. That is another sign of weakness. Fear of losing. It is always there. Why would a good athlete need to be scared of not being able to find other revenue streams? If you are good, it will come. But competing when you are not ready is never right. It will always set your career back much further than by temporarily losing funding. It is a sign of lack of self belief. Again.