Investment in our athletes = commitment to us

This week we had some candidates for an academic teaching position visit us at the Center of Excellence. While in a meeting with the graduate students, one of the candidates was asked how he approached motion capture work with high-level athletes, considering the many hours that it typically takes to perform.

The professional's answer struck home with me. Basically the athletes gave him as much time and effort as he needed because he gives the same to them. How simple, yet perfectly descriptive of the process.

This is something that we may forget from time to time when we perform more research-based sport science. We cannot show up a few times a year and expect total commitment and hard work if we are not prepared to do the same for them. It is a two-way street.

It reminds me of Dr. Stone's "eureka" moment that he has described in many talks on sport science:

Dr. Mike Stone experiencing harsh reality.
Check out the full explanation here

It is also something that is true in our applied work with athletes. Even the most resistant and non-compliant athlete will slowly start to come around when you invest in the athlete.

Thank you to the (currently nameless) candidate for this reminder!