Academy athletes urged to develop mental side

A strong mental attitude is the key to sporting success at the highest level, Massey Academy of Sport members were told at their presentation ceremony last night.

Two-time world mountain running champion and Massey alumna Melissa Moon was guest speaker at this year's academy intake of 48 student-athletes at the Manawatu campus.

Ms Moon, who completed a Master of Business Studies while competing internationally, said a strong mind was vital to excel academically and in the sporting arena. “I was always well-prepared physically for races, but the thing that really sets you apart is mental strength. Remember that pain is temporary but quitting lasts forever, so never quit.

"It’s the same with studying. It may be easy to say it’s too hard to open those books while you’re overseas competing, but it is well worth the effort, because sport doesn’t last forever.”

This year’s academy includes a number of emerging and top-level athletes, including V8 racer Anthony Pedersen (for the fourth year), top dressage equestrian Hannah Appleton (third year in the academy) and White Ferns cricketer Kate Broadmore (first-year).

Campus regional chief executive Professor Ian Warrington said it would be an exciting year for sporting students. “With world championships, Youth Olympics, World University Games and the Commonwealth Games, there will be many opportunities for us to recognise those who are selected and indeed achieve at the highest levels internationally.”

Professor Warrington pointed out

100 of the 346 recipients of the Prime Minister’s Athlete Scholarships were Massey students – an extremely high proportion, considering the scholarships are available to virtually all students of the dozens of tertiary institutions and trade training courses in New Zealand.

National high-performance coordinator Kelly Rofe says the academy provides an ideal environment for promising athletes to thrive in their chosen sport and academically. “We provide academic and travel scholarships and flexible study options for athletes who may be travelling. In addition to academic support, we provide individually tailored programmes in sport nutrition, physical conditioning and sport psychology from Massey University staff and the New Zealand Academy of Sport.”

Facilities at the campus, such as the Sport and Rugby Institute, the Sport and Recreation Centre, the Community Athletics Track and the Equestrian Centre, make it an ideal base for an athlete.