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OTTERBEIN FACULTY MEMBERS OFFER AN INSIDE VIEW INTO THE OLYMPICS
In 2020, the global pandemic postponed the Tokyo Olympics, dashing the hopes of athletes who had been training for years for a chance to compete with other athletes from around the world. This year, the Olympic Games are on track for competition without public spectators, but the pandemic could still derail those plans. How does this disappointment and uncertainty affect an Olympic athlete? How do athletes prepare for the Olympics? Two Otterbein faculty members have answers to those questions and more.
What should people know about the experience of competing in the Olympics? As an athlete, what does it take to prepare mentally and physically for Olympic competition? For major competitions, athletes (and the horses) try to peak at the right time, not too early or late. Physical peak is easier to monitor and attain than mental peak. Having delays of even hours or days can infuence a competitor’s mental state. Having months of uncertainly would be disarming. With two team members (rider and horse), there are many more physical and mental variables to consider. Preparation takes a village, including sports psychologists, which are ofen part of the traveling team. Physically, national team members, during my years, were given physical therapy sessions to help with pains and strains. I also had a sports masseuse and osteopathist attend major competitions. Outside of competitions, my horse ofen got more medical attention than I did (those approaches and techniques I use today in my equine therapies classes).
Te Olympics ofers a unique Associate Professor atmosphere. Te Olympic Village Bruce Mandeville is ofen not accessible to all competed in the 2000 Sydney sports due to the various venue and 2004 Athens Olympic locations. Equestrians need Games, two World Championships land, so we rarely get to be (1994 and 2002), and two Pan American Games (1999 and 2003) as in the village. Te diferent a member of the Canadian Equestrian countries identifed by Team. He is an accomplished coach sportswear in the restaurants and dressage horse trainer. He and gyms is memorable and has coached students in the North exhilarating. Ofen, lifetime American Young Riders Championship friends are made. (NAYRC) to a gold and bronze medal. Te Olympics also At Otterbein, he teaches equine business management courses, represent extreme stress including sustainable practices, — mental and physical, not equine center design, and only on the athlete but his/ equine law, among others. her support group. Finding a life partner or friends who understand the commitment and sacrifces poses a huge hurdle. Another stress is that just one thing could go wrong: a horse misstep in training, for example, and *poof* — that opportunity is gone. Life afer the Olympics can be tough. Athletes ofen sufer mentally and physically, including gaining weight from not being on the same workout regime afer retiring from the sport. Te bright side is that the Olympics undoubtedly change athletes’ lives, and opens doors, opportunities, and new experiences.
Bruce responds to questions in yellow. Denise responds to questions in green.
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OTTERBEI OTTERBEIN TOWERS SPRING 2021
For photos of Bruce and Denise, go to the Table of Contents page!
