Apolo Ohno: Train Your Mind and Body to Achieve Olympic Level Results

Mental Prep

Apolo Ohno describes the unique mental challenges of competing in the Olympics compared to other championships. He emphasizes the importance of visualization and meditation to achieve a flow state before races. Ohno explains, "I want to do things that are seemingly superhuman, and the only way that I know that...is to focus on centering and the smoothness of breath" 1. This mental preparation allows him to handle immense pressure and perform beyond his physical limits.

   

Embracing Competition

Ohno also discusses the psychological aspects of competition, including dealing with self-doubt and negative thoughts. He shares his approach to embracing competition and dissolving ego to focus on the love of the sport. He states, "I want to be able to kind of appreciate the core for what I was doing, which is really, I'm there because I really love competition and I love the sport" 2.

   

Intense Training

Physically, Ohno's training regimen was intense and meticulous, driven by a zero-regrets mentality. He trained psychotically hard to ensure he left nothing to chance, believing that his preparation set him apart from other athletes. "I felt like if I could get to the start line...there was nothing more I could have done," he explains 3.

   

Obsession

Ohno highlights the necessity of obsession for achieving greatness, whether in sports or other fields. He describes how his obsessive focus allowed him to push beyond normal physical limits and perform extraordinary feats. "When I was on, I was not going to lose...I was going to smash you," he recalls 4.