When you think of elite athletes, the spotlight often shines on their physical feats—the fast times, the soaring heights, the gold medals. But behind every podium finish lies a quieter, but equally important, part of the journey: the mental game. A Welsh runner who had a thrilling 2024 season, smashing his personal best with a 1:45.37 at the Watford British Milers’ Club meet, is up for an equally exciting 2025 because he just set a national record at the Keely Klassic, clocking 1:45.78- well under European qualifying marks. He now figures among the top seven of indoor 800m runners from the UK. Sounds super fun, right? But it’s not always easy. How is the runner dealing with it?

Justin Davies keeps becoming the better version of himself. For instance, by clocking at 1:47.26, he translated a previous bronze into gold at the British Indoor Championships. But beyond podium finishes, there lies a tough reality. Dealing with the pressure of being in the headlines, and making numbers, and sometimes the criticism gets all too overwhelming. Davies has discovered that while performance is important, execution isn’t everything. Tactics and timeframes can be useless without mental and physical preparation.

In the world of track and field, where split-second decisions can make or break a race, athletes are often expected to perform under intense pressure. But what happens when that pressure gets too much to handle? As per Athletics Weekly, Davies shared, “I’ve been working with a psychologist [on how I go into races] and it’s made a massive difference.” He further added, “Last year I felt like I was going to be sick on almost every start line. That hasn’t happened this season and I’m almost more proud of that than of the times I’ve run.” The shift in mindset has been nothing short of transformative, and Davies’ words proved that. To win on the field, an athlete needs to win in mind as well.

While many would celebrate physical progress—personal bests, faster times, and victories—this athlete’s biggest achievement this season might surprise you. It’s not the medals or the records, but the calm they now bring to every race. “I’m almost more proud of that than of the times I’ve run,” they confessed. It’s a powerful reminder that mental preparation can be just as crucial, if not more, than physical prowess.

The University of Bath student, who has suffered numerous injury setbacks in recent years, attributes his recent success to “staying injury-free and consistent.” He apologizes for what he calls a “boring answer,” but the most memorable moments come from the required, unglamorous effort that goes on behind the scenes, much as while preparing for a race. Occasionally, the race is won before the gun is fired.

The growing importance of sports psychology in modern athletics

Justin Davies said, “Since last summer, touch wood, things have been relatively seamless and I’ve just been able to focus on the training without that nagging feeling in the back of my mind about changing training because of a pain, and I think I’ve been quite lucky in that regard.” Davies worked on nutritional requirements needed for good performance and also tested through trial and error. What else worked for him? Well, he took training with athletes from other universities, which also helped him in creating a performance-oriented mindset.

Davies’ journey mirrors that of other elite athletes who have prioritized mental health to achieve excellence. American sprinter Noah Lyles, for instance, has openly discussed his battles with anxiety and depression. Through therapy and mental health support, Lyles developed strategies to manage these challenges, culminating in his gold medal performance in the 100 meters at the 2024 Paris Olympics. “I have asthma, allergies, dyslexia, ADD, anxiety, and depression. But I will tell you that what you have does not define what you can become. Why Not You!” Lyles once admitted.

Similarly, hurdler Sydney McLaughlin has emphasized the role of mental preparation in her training regimen, highlighting how psychological resilience contributes to peak performance.​ The increasing emphasis on sports psychology reflects a broader recognition of its critical role in athletic success. Techniques such as positive self-talk, visualization, and building confidence are now integral components of many athletes’ training programs.

Justin Davies’ achievements underscore the effectiveness of integrating mental conditioning with physical training, illustrating that overcoming psychological barriers is as vital as physical preparation in reaching the pinnacle of sports performance.​ With such mental preparedness, Davies is sure to shine in the upcoming races. What are your thoughts? Do tell us in the comments below.