Some people believe that physical strength is more important for success in sports, while other people think that mental strength is more important. Discuss both views and give your opinion?
Sport is an arena where the question of what matters more, physical or mental strength in achieving success, has long been debated. Certain insist physical dominance is the ultimate factor, whilst others suggest mentality is just as significant, if not more so. In my opinion, both qualities are important but mental toughness is more!
To be strong, you need a fair amount of physical strength, which is literally true in many sports. Genetic superiority has an innate advantage in sports as athletes with higher physical features such as strength, speed and endurance can elevate their performance beyond that of the average human. However in certain sports like weightlifting, swimming and sprinting a well conditioned body is directly linked to improved performance and outcomes. Even the most determined athlete can no longer be competitive at higher levels without proper physical fitness training.
On the other side, mental toughness is another equally important factor in finding success in sport. The skills to eliminate distractions, self- recover and trust in themselves during high-pressure moments is frequently what separates winners from losers. Top-rank achievers in many sports like tennis or golf, have at times cited their mental fortitude as the biggest contributing factor to their championships despite being physically over-matched by the opponent.
Although I believe that physical strength is the basis of all athleticism, one should be strong-willed in order to become a great athlete. The world is littered with stories of average physical specimens who willed themselves to greatness, I mean how so many marathoners overcame their body from the waist down through sheer mental willpower.
Ultimately, physical and mental strength are essential to success in sport but many times it is going to be a strong mindset that makes the difference.