From icons like Tiger Woods and the Williams sisters to Wayne Gretzky, many elite athletes began their journeys as children. Witnessing your child thrive in their sport can prompt you to wonder: Could they be the next big star?

This contemplation often leads to additional concerns. Are they experiencing excessive pressure to perform? Are they at risk of overtraining, struggling with stress, or lacking self-confidence?

Olympians Rebecca Soni and Caroline Burckle have navigated similar challenges during their swimming careers. They understand that for young athletes aspiring to greatness, the pathway is fraught with difficulties. The intense physical and psychological demands of competitive sports can be overwhelming, especially when balancing academic responsibilities.

This understanding led them to establish RISE Athletes in 2015.

Climbing to Success

RISE Athletes pairs young talents with Olympic mentors. This program supports youth aiming to enhance their training beyond what they receive from traditional coaching systems, like those available at school.

The matching process considers various factors, such as individual learning styles, personalities, and desired role models, often aligning young athletes with Olympians in the same sport.

Weekly sessions are conducted through RISE’s digital platform, allowing both athletes and mentors to conveniently connect via video by clicking “join now” on their dashboard.

RISE is dedicated to fostering young athletes’ self-awareness and coping strategies for anxiety, aiming to empower them in their pursuit of excellence. A nutritionist on the team assists young athletes with dietary concerns as well.

Soni emphasizes the challenges that athletes encounter, especially in high school and college. She explains, “It’s crucial to distinguish between participation for joy and healthy competition versus the anxiety stemming from pressure to perform from coaches, parents, peers, and self-expectations, which can trigger various negative outcomes.”

RISE aims to create an environment where young people can enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle and find success in sports while managing performance pressures.

Supporting Your Young Athlete

Recognizing signs of negative feelings in an athlete can vary, but Burckle shares that indications might include disinterest in their sport or frequent self-comparisons with others that lead to a sense of fear or unhappiness.

“It’s important for athletes to understand that doubt is a normal feeling, and parents should validate those emotions,” Burckle advises. “Continuous communication is essential, allowing athletes to express their concerns freely.”

RISE offers parents a complimentary guide that features actionable tips to support athletes in these situations (visit rise-athletes.com and select “Get the E-book”).

Some valuable advice from RISE includes how to articulate praise that emphasizes effort over ego. Instead of saying “You’re the best,” consider acknowledging specific actions or strategies that contribute to their success. For example, “You did an excellent job of passing the ball to Jen by skillfully using the inside of your right foot and planting your left foot with great follow-through.”

Parents should also refrain from comparing their child’s performance with others. Peers may develop at different rates, making such comparisons misleading. The RISE team notes that one 12-year-old might exhibit the physicality of a much older teen while another may still be growing into their potential, making such evaluations inconsistent and potentially disheartening.

In cases where issues arise with a coach, Burckle emphasizes the value of effective communication. Start with noting how the athlete interprets the situation as well as the coach’s perspective, identifying common ground and differences. This foundation can lead to healthy discussions with the coach outside the competitive environment, which can be constructive.

Soni adds, “This approach fosters self-discovery for the athlete, empowering them in their journey.”

Guidance for Young Athletes

For those young athletes balancing rigorous training schedules with academic commitments and feeling overwhelmed, Soni and Burckle offer guidance in the form of four principles to keep in mind.

Awareness. Learn to manage your time effectively, ensuring adequate rest and recovery aligns with your training efforts.

Sleep. Instead of sacrificing sleep to complete schoolwork, prioritize a good night’s rest and wake up early to tackle tasks with renewed focus.

Community. Value your immediate surroundings. While it’s inspiring to look at what others are doing, it’s essential to appreciate your own journey and the support system in place.

Grace. Allow yourself a break if you feel fatigued or unwell. Athletes often overlook their body’s signals; taking a step back to rejuvenate can lead to greater achievements.

Are Parents Prioritizing Their Own Health?

It’s important for parents to remember their own wellness. Between driving kids to practices and grabbing quick meals, finding time to stay active can be challenging. However, dedicating even a few minutes to personal fitness can make a significant difference. Here are some suggestions:

• Display a picture of a role model athlete where you’ll see it often for daily motivation.
• When taking your children to practice, park a bit farther away to incorporate more walking into your routine.
• Seek out a workout partner for accountability, especially on days when your motivation wanes.
• Schedule workouts just like you would a business meeting; no one needs to know that your lunch hour is reserved for a fitness class!