Are there sports stars who use meditation as part of their mental training?
It is no secret that athletes work extremely hard to be the best and stay on top of their game. But it's clear that their exercise can't only be physical; they train their minds, too.
Research has found that meditation helps with recovery, managing stress levels, and even improving sports performance. And what’s interesting about this list is not only are these individuals meditators, most of them are considered the greatest athletes of all time.
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NOVAK DJOKOVIC
Tennis champion Novak Djokovic is best known for his 22 Grand Slam titles and being ranked as world No. 1 for a record total of 373 weeks. He credits meditation with helping him stay focused and grounded.
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METHOD: Novak Djokovic practices mindfulness meditation, focusing on his breathing and the present moment. He also incorporates visualization techniques to imagine successful outcomes and stay calm under pressure.
- EXAMPLE: Djokovic often meditates before matches to calm his nerves and enhance his focus. He has spoken about using meditation to recover mentally and emotionally after tough matches, such as his comeback win in the 2019 Wimbledon final against Roger Federer.
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SIMONE BILES
Olympic gymnast Simone Biles is celebrated for her seven Olympic medals and 25 World Championship medals, making her the most decorated gymnast in history. She uses meditation to maintain her mental health and cope with the intense pressures of competition.
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METHOD: Simone Biles practices guided meditation and mindfulness exercises to stay centered. She also uses breathing techniques to calm her nerves before and during competitions.
- EXAMPLE: Biles used meditation extensively during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics to manage the immense pressure and stress, especially when she decided to prioritize her mental health and withdrew from several events.
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RUSSELL WILSON
NFL quarterback Russell Wilson is known for winning Super Bowl XLVIII and being a nine-time Pro Bowl selection. He attributes much of his success to his meditation practice.
- METHOD: Russell Wilson practices visualization meditation, where he imagines successful plays and outcomes. He also uses mindfulness meditation to maintain a calm and focused mind during games.
- EXAMPLE: Wilson has shared that he meditates daily, including on game days, to visualize winning plays and prepare mentally. He credited his meditation practice for helping him stay calm and lead a game-winning drive in Super Bowl XLVIII.
MICHAEL PHELPS
Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps holds the record for the most Olympic gold medals, with a total of 23. He has spoken about the benefits of meditation in his training routine.
- METHOD: Michael Phelps practices guided meditation and visualization techniques. He often visualizes his races and focuses on his breathing to stay relaxed and composed.
- EXAMPLE: Phelps used visualization and meditation before his races in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where he won eight gold medals. He credits these practices for helping him stay calm and focused under pressure.
MEGAN RAPINOE
- METHOD: Megan Rapinoe practices mindfulness meditation, focusing on her breath and staying present. She also uses gratitude meditation to reflect on positive aspects of her life and career.
- EXAMPLE: Rapinoe used meditation to stay centered and focused during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup, where she led her team to victory and was awarded the Golden Boot and Golden Ball.
PHIL MICKELSON
Professional golfer Phil Mickelson has won six major championships, including three Masters titles. He has incorporated meditation into his routine to enhance his focus and performance on the golf course and credits his meditation practice for winning the PGA Championship.
- METHOD: Phil Mickelson practices mindfulness meditation and visualization techniques. He focuses on his breathing and visualizes successful shots to stay calm and focused during tournaments.
- EXAMPLE: Mickelson used meditation and visualization techniques during the 2021 PGA Championship, where he became the oldest major winner at the age of 50.
CHLOE KIM
Snowboarder Chloe Kim is a two-time Olympic gold medalist in the women's halfpipe event. She uses meditation to help her stay calm and focused before competitions.
- METHOD: Chloe Kim practices mindfulness meditation and deep breathing exercises. She also uses visualization techniques to imagine successful runs and stay relaxed.
- EXAMPLE: Kim meditated before her runs in the 2018 Winter Olympics, where she won her first gold medal at the age of 17. She has credited meditation with helping her manage the pressure of competing at such a young age.
PAU GASOL
Former NBA player Pau Gasol is a two-time NBA champion and a six-time NBA All-Star. He has spoken about the benefits of meditation in his career, believing it helps him maintain mental clarity and focus.
- METHOD: Pau Gasol practices mindfulness meditation and guided meditation. He focuses on his breathing and staying present to enhance his mental well-being.
- EXAMPLE: Gasol used meditation to manage stress and stay focused during the 2009 and 2010 NBA Finals, where he played a crucial role in helping the Los Angeles Lakers secure back-to-back championships.
ELENA DELLE DONNE
WNBA star Elena Delle Donne is a two-time WNBA MVP and an Olympic gold medalist. She uses meditation to manage stress and improve her mental health.
- METHOD: Elena Delle Donne practices mindfulness meditation and deep breathing exercises. She also uses guided meditation to stay centered and focused.
- EXAMPLE: " She’s unusually open-minded for an established superstar, her teammates say, so she gave regular meditation an earnest shot starting in the middle of the 2018 season, and eventually, she felt calmer. Then she started feeling more in control on the basketball court. Then she became a devotee, practicing 10 minutes a day." source
USAIN BOLT
Olympic sprinter Usain Bolt holds the world records in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and 4 × 100 meters relay. He has credited meditation with helping him stay calm and focused during competitions.
- METHOD: Usain Bolt practices mindfulness meditation and visualization techniques. He focuses on his breathing and imagines successful races to stay relaxed and composed.
- EXAMPLE: Bolt meditated before his record-breaking performances in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics. He has said that meditation helped him stay relaxed and confident, contributing to his success on the track.
There are many athletes who meditate, with this list being just the tip of the iceberg. Meditation does not only help their successful sporting careers, but it also improves their mental health and everyday life too. Are you ready to see how meditation can help your life?
If you are interested in meditating, check out our meditation seats, chairs, and cushions to aid your practice.
