Inside the game: 3×3 basketball
In the dynamic realm of Canadian sports, where hockey and traditional 5-on-5 basketball have long dominated, a new player has emerged on the scene. 3×3 basketball. The fast-paced variation of the game has rapidly gained popularity, especially after its inclusion in the 2020 Olympic Games.  Though 3×3 basketball has roots dating back to the 1980s,…
Perfectionism in high performance athletes
Many high-performance athletes scrutinize their own performances and often aim for perfection. A recent study delved into how perfectionistic athletes view success and failure in sports. Through interviews and season-long diaries, researchers found that an athlete’s ability to deal with failure depended on the type of perfectionism they exhibited.
Navigating sponsorship challenges for Paralympic athletes
Did you know that Paralympic athletes’ portrayal as inspirational figures influences their sponsorship opportunities? But not all athletes fit into these narratives, leading to challenges securing sponsorships. The views shaping sponsor perceptions highlight inequalities in sponsor access based on athletes’ perceived inspiration levels, calling for inclusive sponsorship practices and intersectional research for fairer opportunities.
The transformative power of sport: Insights from two Canadian Olympic rowers
Reflecting on my life’s journey, I’m profoundly struck by the transformative impact that sport has had on every facet of my life. The journey from a young sport enthusiast to an elite performer was marked by various challenges and triumphs, each contributing to the mosaic of experiences that define my character today. In this article,…
Beyond the scoreboard: Sport’s role in climate action
In recent years public awareness and concern about climate change have significantly increased. Organizations are increasingly acknowledging and addressing the direct link between their operations and climate change, embracing initiatives from paper straws to carbon offsets. However, as climate impacts intensify globally, and with both governments and corporations falling short of making sufficient progress on…
Partnering in the pursuit of putting people first
The objectives haven’t changed. The pathway in endeavouring to reach them, though, most certainly has. The aim is in the name. Pursuit. Pursuit in providing improved, impactful coaching and technical assistance to Canadian high-performance athletes. In increasing investment, both financial and in on-the-ground ways, into those individuals entrusted with shaping sport in this country. In…
Team Canada athletes share the best advice they’ve received
All athletes know that participating in sport is a learning process, no matter what level you play at. We asked some of Team Canada’s top athletes across a variety of sports for the best advice they’d ever been given–and almost all of the answers apply not only to sport, but to life. Here’s what they…
High performance mental health
A recent study investigating the mental health of athletes at the FINA World Championships in 2019 revealed that nearly 25% of the participants met the criteria for depression, and 45% expressed a desire for or a need for psychotherapeutic support. These findings underscore the importance of mental health support and resources for high performance athletes.
Athlete wellbeing post-retirement
In a study that delved into the perspectives of retired Olympians regarding the factors that influence athlete well-being post-retirement, participants highlighted the critical role of coaches, support staff, and others in the training environment. This finding underscores the importance of fostering positive relationships to enhance psychological safety and well-being after retiring from sport.
How much sleep do high performance athletes need?
Elite or high-performance athletes often demand an immense focus on health factors outside of sport, such as nutrition and recovery. A recent study conducted on male and female high-performance athletes found that approximately 8.3 hours of sleep were necessary to feel rested. Despite this, an overwhelming majority, 71%, fail to meet this requirement.