Community Brainstorm: Setting Expectations at Major Competitions

19 Mar

Dreaming Big While Staying Grounded: Navigating Expectations at Major Competitions

With the 2025 National Championships in Perth rapid approaching, this month’s topic is all about balancing expectations at major events—helping athletes set aspirational goals while preparing them for the realities of higher-level competition than athlete’s typically experience on a regular basis.

We’ve all seen it before—an athlete dominates at the local or regional level, qualifies for a big championship, and suddenly finds themselves up against a completely different level of competition. When things don’t go to plan, the disappointment can be crushing, sometimes even leading them to step away from the sport entirely.

💡 How do you set realistic but ambitious targets that inspire athletes to perform at their best, while also ensuring they walk away from major competitions feeling motivated, no matter the result?

Key Considerations for Discussion

How do you help athletes set realistic performance goals that challenge them without setting them up for disappointment?
What sort of language do you use to frame expectations before a big event?
How do you keep athletes motivated after a disappointing result at a major competition?
Have you had an athlete struggle with disappointment at a major event? What did you learn from it?
What are some practical strategies you use in training and competition to prepare athletes for the ups and downs of sport?
How do you navigate conversations with athletes (and their parents) about realistic expectations?