Adversity-related experiences are essential for Olympic success: Additional evidence and considerations

Abstract

Drawing on Hardy et al.'s study as the target article, in this commentary, we focus on the adversity-related experiences and consequences of the Olympic and/or World champions that they sampled. With this in mind, we divide the narrative into two main sections. In the first section, we explore the association between adversity-related experiences and Olympic success, and provide additional evidence in support of the notion that adversity-related experiences are essential for success at the highest level of sport. In the second section, we discuss the role of adversity-related experiences in Olympic success considering a series of important psychosocial processes that are required for superior performance. In ending, we reflect on the salient (contentious and ethical) issues in the study and practice of adversity-related experiences and sport performance. We hope that our commentary adds to the extant literature and is useful for future study and practice in performance sport.

Keywords: Adversity; Elite; Excellence; Psychosocial; Sport performance.