Whilst away on warm weather training in Barcelona, we took the time to sit down with Commonwealth Games silver medallist Laura Edwards and ask her a few questions about what she thinks makes an elite level athlete.
Hi Laura, thanks for talking with us today. Firstly, what do you think athletes can do to engage with their coach more and what are your views on communication between athlete and coach?
I think in order for an athlete to engage with their coach they need to be willing to give more than what is expected of them. As an athlete you need to ensure you are focused during sessions and taking on board what the coach is telling you. Turning up unprepared or late can also show the coach you aren't organised or ready to work hard. You have to be accountable for what you are doing. Asking questions if you don't understand can also show the coach you want to learn and progress. This can all help you as an athlete show the coach you are serious about being an athlete and willing to commit to working hard. I also do think a good coach-athlete relationship is extremely important and can significantly impact an athlete’s performance. Athletes should be confident in their coach and having good communication between the two is key to it I think. Having a mutual trust and respect for each other can be so important and I think without that it can be difficult for an athlete to reach their full potential.
What do you think is important for athletes to consider when responding to feedback?
I think athletes need to understand that the feedback their coaches are giving them is to help improve their performance. It is beneficial to their growth as an athlete. When your coach gives you feedback you should acknowledge it as a challenge and a learning opportunity. You also have to make sure you act on what they are saying. I think you need to consider the fact that they aren't telling you something for you to just accept it and move on. As an athlete you need to do something with that feedback by being able to make the necessary changes in order to enhance your performance. It's also important to not take their feedback negatively as you have to consider that they are trying to make you into the best athlete you can be and they only want the best for you. By listening, accepting and acting on feedback athletes can learn from their mistakes and use it to better themselves.
Gymnastics, like pole vault, is an individual sport where athletes train in groups. Do you think it’s important for athletes to be their own person and be an individual whilst appreciating the support of the group?
Yes definitely. Participating in an individual sport means as an athlete you need to take ownership of your career. You need to take responsibility for performances and seeking ways to improve during both training/ competitions as well as your lifestyle. At the same time, I believe having great support from your team mates is second to none and vital in your success as an athlete. Having good teammates around you can help you become a better athlete as you can all work together bettering each other and creating a great environment to train in. It helps everyone as you are all pushing towards similar goals and understand what each other is going through.
Given the high performance environments that you’ve trained in, do you see a difference between what high level athletes are posting on social media and what they’re doing behind closed doors when training?
Yes 100%. I guess everything isn't always as perfect as it seems on social media. It's nice that social media allows more experienced athletes to broadcast aspects of their training to younger/ less experienced athletes. However, I think people just need to be aware it is only aspects and they don't show absolutely everything. Behind closed doors can be very different to what is actually shown. They may go through a lot and will only tend to post the positive or more exciting parts of what is going on. Basically, what you see on social media isn't everything there is to the life of a world class athlete.
What do you think separates those that go on to perform at an elite level and those that don’t make it and is it always the most physically talented athletes that go on to perform at elite level?
In my experiences within gymnastics there was often the physically naturally talented athletes winning at a younger age however, it was often the gymnasts who were always around but never quite there working hard, never giving up who came out on top. They weren't necessarily the most naturally talented to start with but from their committed, hardworking approach and mind set they eventually got to where they wanted to be. I think the athletes that perform at an elite level are very motivated and committed. They don't give up when things get hard, instead they use their failures to fuel them to do better and succeed. I think having the self-determination and mental toughness is a key factor to reaching a high level in sports. Training long hours and dedicating yourself to a sport can sometimes be draining and extremely tough at times but making it through those tough times is what makes achieving so great, especially in sports like gymnastics and pole vault. If it was easy, it would be boring. So, I think what separates those that make it to an elite level is the desire and passion they have to consistently work hard by doing what others aren't willing to do.
Thank you for taking the time to talk to us today Laura and all the best with the upcoming season!