hese phases were:
A positive phase, in which he enjoyed being with team-mates and, indeed, being in the heart of the team. This kept his mind off competing.
Physical warm up, and last words with his coach. Again, G was happy with this stage and felt relaxed and confident.
Getting changed and ready to report for his race. During this phase, G started to feel rushed and out of control, even though he recognised on a rational level that he had plenty of time.
Being in the holding pen. During this phase, of about 20 minutes ‘waiting time’ before between reporting and being summoned to race, G’s feelings of being out of control increased. He described being ‘imposed upon’, feeling ‘penned in’ and ‘intimidated’ by the presence of other swimmers. He questioned his right to be there.
Walking to the blocks. Upon being called to race, G again described feeling rushed but, paradoxically, described the ‘long walk’ to the other end of the pool (for a 50m race).
Behind the blocks to starting the race. By this point G felt out of control, anxious and again rushed as he undressed to race. As he stood by his block, his loss of confidence was summed up by his description of looking up seeing a very long 50m ahead of him.