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Team GB Winter Olympians Overcome Fear

BBC Sport •
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Facing the Milan-Cortina Games, Team GB's winter athletes discuss overcoming fear. Zoe Atkin, a freestyle skier, emphasizes that managing fear is as critical as mastering skills. She uses techniques like meditation to focus and reframe her anxieties, especially during training. This preparation helps her compete at her best, even after experiencing falls and injuries.

Atkin's teammate, Kirsty Muir, also shares her experiences. Muir, a ski slopestyle and big air competitor, stresses the importance of accepting risks and preparing mentally. She emphasizes the need to adapt to unexpected situations and to prepare long before the competition. Both athletes highlight the mental fortitude required in these high-stakes sports.

Both athletes have faced serious injuries. Atkin's sister broke her pelvis before the 2022 Winter Olympics. Muir battled back from a torn cruciate ligament. They are now working with GB Snowsport on calming techniques, including freediving and breathing exercises, to stay focused under pressure.

Ultimately, the key to success for these athletes is embracing the inherent risks of their sports. They focus on preparation, mindfulness, and the ability to adapt. Their journeys demonstrate the mental toughness needed to compete at the highest level, making them medal contenders for Team GB.