Everyone loves sports. Whether playing on the field, practicing for hours, or even spectating, sports are a cornerstone of excitement and health. In fact, according to a study in 2023, nearly 94% of Americans engage in athletics every day. But behind the excitement of every win often lies pressure that can overshadow the joy of competing.
Pressure is felt among sportspeople on every level; from high school athletes to professionals getting paid millions of dollars. For some athletes, the pressure to perform well can turn sports into a stress-filled activity, especially when balancing the demands of academics, sports, and personal commitments. The stakes are often high, with each practice, game, and meet carrying the weight of potential success or failure. This stress can take a toll on both mental and physical health, leading to burnout or injuries that further compound the challenges of being an athlete. In the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, highly celebrated Simone Biles withdrew from multiple events after getting the twisties, a mental barrier that made it dangerous when performing stunts. Often caused by stress and the need for perfection, twisties disconnects the mind from the body making it dangerous for gymnasts. Her withdrawal demonstrated her strength and priorities to put her mental health first.
At The Bronx High School of Science, the underlying issue of stress on our student athletes is not talked about enough. Out of the multitude of teams that Bronx Science fields, each person experiences their own unique challenges yet these struggles often remain in the background, since athletes are willing to do whatever it takes to keep pushing toward victories, records, and accolades. For some, the pressure to meet expectations becomes an invisible burden, one they carry silently as they push through practices and competitions.
Despite the individuality of each athlete’s situation, there are common trends among them: the fear of disappointing teammates, stress from balancing responsibilities, and physical strain from demanding schedules. These pressures can foster an environment where athletes feel compelled to prioritize their sport above all else, even if it means sacrificing their health.
Given such challenges, it becomes increasingly important to ask how athletes are coping: how do they manage the pressures placed on them? What strategies do they use to overcome stress, both physically and mentally? Exploring these questions offers valuable insight into the dynamics of how to stand tall amidst extreme competitiveness. While sports continue to be a source of joy, teamwork, and accomplishment, it is clear that the path to success is usually riddled with major obstacles which require more than physical strength to overcome.
One of the largest sport teams at Bronx Science is the Track and Field team; the girl’s team alone consists of over 75 athletes. Sora Toji ’26 competes for Bronx Science’s Track and Field team during all three Public Sport Athletic League (PSAL) seasons. She faces the challenge of balancing academics, extracurriculars, and the demands of her sport. “From injuries and the pressure to perform well to balancing my academics, other extracurriculars, and my sport, it can be challenging, putting even more stress on myself,” she explains. This stress doesn’t just weigh on her mind, but it also impacts her game. “It negatively affects my performance. It can be hard to perform well under stressful situations,” she admits. Despite this, Toji continues to dedicate herself to the sport she loves, demonstrating resilience in the face of pressure.
During the Fall 2024 season, the Bronx Science Girls’ Varsity Swimming team celebrated success and now lead their division. Liv Olsen ‘26, current junior and winner of two events during a championship, made her way to States. States is a competitive swim meet where admission is only allowed through the first place finisher of any event. Olsen not only won her 100 fly but also her 100 back event where she placed first for both. This impressive feat is a testament to her journey of hard work and perseverance. Behind such success stories, lie other battles. For athletes like Olsen, the pursuit of excellence can take an emotional and mental toll. The intense training schedule does not leave much room for academic and personal demands. “I think my stress levels are pretty high, mostly due to pressure to perform at competitions and always doing more training to keep up with my peers. I also have external pressure to perform in order to get into college,” Olsen mentioned.
In recent years, mental health has become an increasingly important topic in the world of sports, especially as demands on young athletes continue to rise. The pressure to perform at a high level has always existed, but newer factors — such as the influence of social media, the intensifying competition for college admissions, and the expectation to specialize in a single sport at an early age — have only added to the weight young athletes carry. Dr. Jay Coakley, a renowned sports sociologist, emphasizes that support systems, including coaches, teammates, family, and counselors, need to be in place to help athletes cope with the pressure.
Coping with Stress
Athletes often find their own ways to combat their fear and strengthen themselves. Experts say healthy coping strategies and a strong support system can make all the difference in managing the intense pressures of athletics. There are many critical roles in fostering a positive environment where athletes are encouraged to prioritize their mental and physical well-being.
Sora Toji, for example, relies on activities that calm her down: “I try to meditate, but sometimes I can’t concentrate, so I just read a book or listen to music because that calms me down the most,” she shares. These moments of quiet reflection allow her to take a step back and give her mind a chance to recharge. She also uses pre-race routines to get herself ready for competition, both mentally and physically. “I always eat pasta for dinner the day before my race, and the day of my race, I make sure to get electrolytes into my system. I don’t know if this is a particular routine, but it does make me feel like I prepared myself well for my race.”
Similarly, Liv Olsen has found comfort in developing her own pre-meet rituals. “I have a meet routine, so a specific series of things I do before and at meets, and I try not to focus on what other kids are doing,” she explains. By focusing on her own process and avoiding comparisons, Olsen creates a mental buffer against external pressures, enabling her to remain centered during competitions.
By developing routines, leaning on their communities, and finding ways to disconnect from external stressors, athletes can transform their challenges into opportunities for growth. These coping mechanisms not only help them perform better but also ensure that their passion for sports remains intact, even amidst the toughest competition.
Future Advice
As seasoned athletes, Sora Toji and Liv Olsen offer valuable insights for managing the pressures of competitive sports.
Toji stresses the importance of self-awareness and proactive stress management. “It’s normal to experience stress,” she explains, “and the best way to handle it is to acknowledge it and find ways to reduce it.” She recommends simple strategies like listening to music, interacting with others, or using tools like a stress ball to stay grounded during overwhelming moments. Liv, similarly, suggests focusing on yourself instead of others.
Both athletes highlight the significance of managing stress rather than trying to eliminate it entirely. Whether through mindfulness, personal rituals, or building a supportive community, their approaches serve as reminders that the joy and fulfillment of sports can coexist with its challenges.
Everyone loves sports. Whether playing on the field, practicing for hours, or even spectating, sports are a cornerstone of excitement and health. In fact, according to a study in 2023, nearly 94% of Americans engage in athletics every day. But behind the excitement of every win often lies pressure that can overshadow the joy of competing.