Massey sport psychologist meets NBA star

Massey University sport psychologist Professor Gary Hermansson had a chance to chat with United States basketball star Kobe Bryant yesterday, just days after inspiring a Facebook post by the NBA star.

Professor Hermansson, of the School of Sport and Exercise, is the New Zealand team’s sport psychologist at the Olympic Games.

On Friday, Mr Bryant posted a Massey University news release and video to his Facebook page, asking his 13 million followers to discuss the ways they dealt with pressure while competing.

The post proved popular, with more than 5000 “likes” and 500 comments. More than 3000 went on to view Professor Hermansson’s video about his role as a sport psychologist.

After hearing about the post, Professor Hermansson sent a copy of his book Going Mental in Sport: Excelling through Mind Management to Mr Bryant, who plays for the Los Angeles Lakers and is representing the United States in London.

They then crossed paths at an event yesterday and chatted briefly. Professor Hermansson says Mr Bryant approached him after the function and thanked him for the book.

Professor Hermansson is blogging about his Olympic experience here: http://masseyblogs.ac.nz/ghermans/