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The Track and Field Performance Podcast
Dedicated to giving coaches, athletes, and fans of Track and Field expert knowledge and insights from practitioners across the various event disciplines and domains of human performance.
The Track and Field Performance Podcast
Dr. Christopher Stanley: Mental Skills for Managing High Pressure Moments
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Dr. Christopher Stanley (CMPC) is a sport and performance psychology professor at the University of Western States, former Lead Sport Psychologist for USA Track & Field across the Tokyo–Paris Olympic cycle, and the Atlanta Track Club Elite.
In this episode, Chris illustrates how coaches can implement mental skills training in track & field without adding extra time—covering practical tools for confidence, focus, and performance under pressure. In addition, the relational aspect of coaching is discussed throughout the conversation; Chris provides practical tips on how to improve communication and trust in coach-athlete dynamics. He is also the author of Right from the Start: Mental Performance Skills for Youth and Adolescent Athletes.
Topics / Timestamps:
0:00 Chris’ background + USATF/Olympic experience
3:55 Selling sport psych to coaches + creating buy-in
8:20 Event-specific mental skills (sprints vs jumps vs distance)
14:20 The coach effect: demeanor, prompts, and regulation
21:40 Why “focus” and “wake up” cues often fail
30:10 Mental performance at the Olympics & World Champs
39:30 Breathwork, pressure, and physiological regulation
46:10 Self-talk, imagery, and quick redirection strategies
51:10 Rapport, autonomy, and motivation frameworks
57:30 Chris’ book + practical resources for coaches