okansas.blogspot.com Occassional thoughts about orienteering
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Swedish JWOC team leader on goals
A quick and rough translation of some comments from Anneli Ostberg, the leader for the Swedish women at JWOC.
Ostberg believes that having fun is important for success, but success isn't something she measures in medals.
"We don't have result goals, because how well we do in terms of medals depends on how well we stand compared to our competition. I think it is more useful to focus on how and what the runners want to be, to feel and to do during the race. If the girls suceed in meeting their own goals, then everyone wins regardless of the results."
To come home from the JWOC and really be satisfied, what will have to happen?
"I'd like the girls to all have runs they are completely satisfied with, that'd be great! Of course it would be good if we could have a good race at the relay. But what is most important is for the girls to enjoy being here."
I guess you could either call Ostberg's comments: (a) a really healthy approach to competition, (b) a cop out that'll just breed week competitors, or (c) a way to reduce pressure and stress that the team might be feeling from high expectations.
I lean toward a mix of (a) and (c).
posted by Michael |
8:14 PM
