Being able to perform under pressure is a difficult thing to maintain. When athletes are put under pressure, many emotions come with it, such as stress, anxiety, and self-doubt. Athletes tend to over think and have many thoughts in their head before a big event, and that can cause negative outcomes for the athletes like underperforming. 

For swimmer Xander Goss, hesitation occurs before a race despite how important his races are. Him being hesitant is caused by thoughts running through his head.  

“Before races, the first things that goes through my mind is that I can’t do it and it’s going to hurt.” Goss said. 

Often during stressful situations, it helps to talk to your coach or even your teammates. Hearing encouraging words before a race can really help the mindset you have before you start. Joking around or taking your mind out of the thoughts helps with stress. Words of encouragement during races help boost the mood as well. 

“We also try to cheer everyone on during every event as hearing your teammates while racing gives you a much-needed boost.” Goss said.  

Having multiple races at one meet is very hard on the swimmers and drains the energy out of them. Having a reassuring moment between a teammate helps Goss when it comes to starting a race.  

“Every time I get ready for my relay I can hardly stand, but every time my teammates assure me that the only thing I can do is swim, the best I can do is all they ask.” Goss said. 

Most importantly, having a good support system around you is what can help the most when failing. Having someone tell you it’s okay and encouraging you is fine is what can help people’s perspective on how they performed.  

“At booth meets I gave it everyth9ing I had to make sure the other relays wouldn’t beat us,” he said. “I did fail both times, but both times I ended up having great times and my teammates weren’t mad at me because they knew I did what I could at my level.” Goss said.