Sara McMann Olympic Medalist

Hello everyone :-D I am just returning from my nationals in Las Vegas, NV. I placed second and was disappointed with my performance. Part of being an athlete is picking yourself up and finding ways to overcome the strong emotions that come with loss. It is very easy to have good practices and high motivation when everything is working out in your favor. At the other end of the spectrum, having good practices is highly challenging when you face failure. Here are some of the tricks that I use to help me to perform my best when I'm not feeling my best:

1) Know that anyone can do a task when they feel like it, but it sharpens the character of those who push themselves when they don't want to do it.

2) Don't go by what you feel, go by what you know. Feelings are fleeting and can sometimes be deceptive. If you know that you have worked as hard as you can, your negative feelings will eventually diminish.

3) Don't trade what you really want for what you want right now. It is very easy to give in and find 50 rationalizations for not doing something. Resist these shortcuts because they will not give you what you truly want in life.

4) Lastly, it's never too late to make a fresh start. This last one is very important for all of life's endeavors.

Many athletes have different ways to refocus their minds so that they can get the most out of their training. Each day athletes need to be moving closer to their goals. Battling these emotions is a critical step in that process. At the highest level, an athlete's mindset is the difference between first place and 10th place. I will have to utilize these tools to prepare for my Olympic Team Trials on June 12-15. Wish me luck!

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Training for second Olympic team

April 18, 2008

Hi, my name is Sara McMann. I am a female wrestler who has been competing at the world level since 2000. To date I have 2 Bronze Medals from World Championships and one Silver Medal. I also earned a Silver Medal in the Olympics in 2004.

I am currently striving for my second Olympic team for the Olympics in Beijing. I began wrestling in my ninth grade year at McDowell High School in Marion, N.C. I had no idea at the time that I would fall in love with the sport and pursue it for the next 14 years.

Wrestling has taken me all over the United States and the world. I've lived in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, North Carolina, South Carolina, Iowa, and Colorado to train with the best partners. I've competed in Russia, Colombia, The Dominican Republic, Brazil, Sweden, Japan, China, and many other countries.

I am also currently pursuing a Masters degree in Mental Health Counseling. When I retire, I would like to focus my efforts on helping children and adolesents in managing crisis situations.

At home, I'm a very average person. I have two cats, Tiny and Sadie, who are both sweet little cuddlebugs :-D I like to read books and watch movies. I have a motorcycle and I like to ride in the beautiful weather that the South is famous for. I hope to hike and kayak this summer.

I'd like to thank all of my supporters and friends. They have made this pursuit possible and I can not express my appreciation enough.

Sara

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