Authors – Vedika Jogani & Ryan Miller
A recent graduate from Ithaca College with a Master’s degree in Sports and Exercise Science, specializing in Mental Performance, Vedika Jogani is OMP’s Product and Content Manager.
Ryan Miller is OMP’s Head of Content and is an award-winning Broadcaster, Journalist and Photographer.
Anna Cockrell has powered herself to Silver in the final of the Women’s 400m hurdles in Paris.
The 26-year-old product of the USC Trojans Track & Field program had to overcome many obstacles in pursuit of Olympic glory.
Cockrell has been open in speaking about her mental health, a combination of sporting failure and personal loss left her depressed.
Her journey reveals a set of key mental performance skills she has developed and utilized to navigate some of the challenges she faced from a sporting perspective.
Cockrell’s 2021 Letter to My Younger Self in The Players’ Tribune revealing how her mindset has changed.
- Self-Compassion & Self-Reflection: Anna Cockrell’s journey transformed her from being overly self-critical to embracing self-compassion.
She learned to recognize her limits and forgive herself, even after setbacks like dropping the relay baton. This shift helped her maintain a healthier mindset. - Resilience & Adversity: Despite facing major personal losses and athletic setbacks, Anna demonstrated incredible resilience.
She kept her focus on her goals, showing the mental toughness needed to perform under pressure. Her story is a testament to perseverance and strength. - Identity Beyond Athletics: The pandemic allowed Anna to spend quality time with her family, helping her realize she is more than just an NCAA athlete.
Embracing other aspects of her identity, like being a daughter and sister, she learned, “If track doesn’t work out, there’s more to life than this.” - Focusing on Positives: Anna shifted her focus to gratitude, finding true happiness in the process.
By celebrating her successes and being thankful for the journey, she cultivated a more positive outlook on life. - Seeking Support & Maintaining Relationships: Recognizing she wasn’t alone, Anna reached out for support.
She connected with a sports psychologist, friends, coaches, and teammates, building a strong support network. This step was crucial in her journey towards mental well-being.
Anna Cockrell’s journey illustrates the power of mental performance skills in overcoming challenges in sports and life.
Her experiences with self-compassion, resilience, a broader identity, positivity, and seeking support highlight the importance of maintaining mental and emotional well-being.
These skills have been key to her success and fulfillment, reminding us that true success goes beyond athletic achievements.
