BBC Sport Academy | Other Sport | Could you be an Olympic great?

So you've got talent and you like winning. EIS psychologist Paul Dent gives a final few clues on how to be the best.

Michael Johnson's simple philosophy for success was this......"Hard work, commitment and loyalty".

Few people realise just how much effort and time athletes put into something like the Olympics.

So okay, you're making the effort. But one thing that can strike the best of athletes down - be it at the Olympics or a small race - is nerves.

Most athletes get nervous. It's important to know that nerves are not a bad thing.

It just shows it means something to them. Nervous energy can be creative and it's about harnessing this energy.

It's good to talk through your nerves and alter the thinking process.

Michael Johnson shows off his gold
Johnson gets his hands on another one

You do this by focusing on performance outcomes - how you run the race or row your boat - not the actual outcome.

If you're too uptight about winning or losing, your body will not be able to perform.

And if you want to be the best, the best ever, you've got to want it, really want it.

The dreaming about being this good is easy. You can't do this on your own.

Remember, there's always an amazing coach behind all these great athletes.

So as well as desire, commitment and drive, you need someone to help you get there on the first rung of the ladder.

And once you've achieved something, it's all about being able to do it again.

And again. And again. Just like Michael Johnson and Sir Steven Redgrave.


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