Olympic Windsurfer Bryony Shaw Reveals Tips for Mental Resilience

Our sincere thanks to Bryony Shaw, RS:X Windsurfer for Team GB, for taking time out from her busy schedule to share with the Mind Your Head Challenge why mental resilience is important to an Olympic athlete. This is as relevant to those of us trying to cope with every day life, when we don’t know what the winds of fortune will throw at us.

How important is mental resilience as an Olympic Athlete?

In the career of an athlete you are constantly testing yourself against training targets or other competitors and it is mental resilience that enables you to push through the set backs and maintain self belief.

What techniques do you use to help you remember all the information you need to retain?

As a windsurfer I have to be able to draw on my knowledge and experience on any given day, whatever the weather conditions throw at me, so to maintain focus during all these distractions I use “cue words” that help me remember my priorities while I am racing.

What is your top tip for keeping your mental well-being when under pressure?

When under pressure, there can be a natural instinct for adrenalin to build up and the mind’s awareness to be clouded, so there almost has to be an acceptance of this. Then to regain my calmness and confidence I recall how well I have prepared and remind myself that I can only do my best.

Fantastic advice from Bryony and we wish her every success in the coming weeks. Bring home the Gold!  For further information about her Olympic challenge, see

If you would like to improve your mental resilience and well-being, then book now for the Mind Your Head Conference at https://www.training-for-results.co.uk/events-2/event/mind-your-head-conference/