The Hidden Qualities of Exceptional Athletes (S1.7) 🔎

Episode of February 27, 2024 With Alec Charbonneau—Kick's Cheer Podcast

Cheerleading is much more than impressive tricks and spectacular acrobatics. Behind every exceptional athlete, there are often invisible qualities that make all the difference. In the third episode of the Kick's Cheer Podcast, Alec Charbonneau shares his experiences and thoughts on what makes an athlete truly stand out.

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🧠 The importance of mental preparation

Alec places great emphasis on mental preparation, which is becoming an essential pillar for performing at the highest level. It's not uncommon for an athlete to have the talent and physical training, but without strong mental strength, performance can falter, especially in competition.

"We have athletes who can perform all their elements in practice, but once they're on the field in competition, they have very different reactions—stress, nervousness, or even a complete blackout." Alec also points out that mental preparation can help manage these difficult moments, avoid minor crises, and quickly regain confidence.

🪃 Knowing how to bounce back from mistakes

Another hidden quality of exceptional athletes is their ability to get back up after a fall or a mistake, often referred to as "resilience." Alec shares a personal anecdote where, after a spectacular fall, he was able to quickly regain control of his performance.

“A good athlete gets up quickly. Even if the fall is hard, you have to turn the page, forget it, and move on.”

This positive and proactive attitude is crucial in cheerleading, where every moment counts.

The balance between work and talent

Alec explains that to be a complete athlete, it's not enough to be talented; you also have to be hardworking. But beware, there are ups and downs in energy and motivation.

“You can be super talented one day and less motivated the next. The important thing is to learn to manage these fluctuations and stay focused.”

It also means accepting that sometimes, despite your best efforts, unforeseen incidents or injuries can slow your progress. This is where patience and mental hard work become so important.

Constructive criticism and support

Another often overlooked aspect is how to receive and give criticism. Alec emphasizes the importance of constructive criticism, especially in a team.

"When you criticize, you also have to encourage. For example, telling a teammate, 'Good job, you placed your leg well, keep it up,' is more motivating than just pointing out mistakes."

For him, a good athlete knows how to communicate effectively with his teammates and his coach while remaining open to comments that can help him progress.

The relationship with the coach

The bond between an athlete and their coach is also a key to success. Alec reminds us that you need to be able to trust each other, be comfortable asking questions, and accept advice.

"If an athlete doesn't perform, it's not always the coach's fault, but sometimes it's also a matter of good communication and adaptation."

A healthy relationship helps us overcome challenges and move forward together.

In summary

Exceptional athletes aren't defined solely by their physical performance but also by their mental strength, their attitude toward challenges, their ability to handle criticism, and the quality of their team relationships. Alec Charbonneau shows us that behind every great success lies a balance between hard work, mental strength, communication, and resilience.

For parents and young athletes, this advice is invaluable: encourage the athlete's overall development, supporting not only their physical abilities but also their mental and team spirit.

To discover even more about cheer, don't hesitate to follow the Kick's Cheer Podcast on social networks: Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, and listen to the full episodes!

Cheerleading is a sport that requires heart, courage, and hard work—but most importantly, passion.