The mental preparation and mindset of an athlete are important during international competitions.
Sports psychologist Dr. Karen Trinidad said this days after weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz won the gold medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
Trinidad, who served as a consultant in the Philippine Sports Commission—Sports Psychology unit, was part of Diaz’s Team HD, which provided support during her campaign in the Olympiad.
Her role during Olympiad did not go unnoticed after the College of Science of the University of Santo Tomas feted Trinidad for her achievements.
Team HD is made up of Chinese head coach Gao Kaiwen, nutritionist Jeaneth Aro, strength and conditioning coach Julius Naranjo and Trinidad.
Diaz had been consulting with Trinidad over the last 13 years, ever since she saw action in the Beijing Olympics.
According to Trinidad, Diaz expressed doubts about her ability to compete and make a podium finish during competition.
“Days before, sinabi niya kinakabahan siya, alam niyang malakas siya pero kinakabahan siya,” said Trinidad.
From there, Trinidad talked Diaz in having faith and confidence in herself.
“Sabi ko sa kanya, self-belief is important. Kung ikaw ay hindi naniniwala, you cannot lift that. Kailangan ay ikaw muna ay maniwala,” said Trinidad.
Eventually, Diaz claimed the first ever gold medal won by a Filipino athlete since the country’s first appearance in the Olympics in 1924.
In doing so, Diaz set new Olympic weightlifting records by lifting 127kg in the clean and Jerk and lifting a total weight of 224 kg.