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When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?

On the record

Public figures who have answered a question like this elsewhere. Quoted from the source shown, not written for FLAPSS.

Chris Hoy British track cyclist, 1994–2013
The real problem is that the pain actually gets worse. You have created massive acidosis in your muscles so there is a huge quantity of hydrogen ions and the pH in your blood changes. For 15 minutes you lie there thinking, "God, this is really bad. I'm going to die. It has never been this bad before." And every time you think exactly the same thing. You have to lie to yourself by saying you're not doing a second set. Then, without moving for 15 minutes, almost to the second, I would roll over and think, "OK, I think I can do a second set now." During those sessions I have never felt more alive or so close to death.

Recorded Cyclist, 1 January 2018 source ↗

Michael Phelps United States swimmer, 2000–2016
You know, as Olympians, you set four years to build up to this moment. And then, after it's over, you're kind of lost in a way. You don't really know what to do. You don't know where to go. You don't know who to talk to. And a lot of us do suffer from depression.

Recorded CBS News, 25 January 2018 source ↗

Eliud Kipchoge Kenyan marathon runner
You run, eat, sleep, walk around - that's how life is. You don't get complicated. The moment you get complicated it distracts your mind.

Recorded Nick Hope, BBC Sport, 22 November 2019 source ↗

Rafael Nadal Spanish professional tennis player, 2001–2024
Sometimes when I'm in the first round or second round, and I'm not playing well, I say, okay, just accept it. Don't get frustrated. Just accept and focus.

Recorded Jon Wertheim, 60 Minutes, CBS, CBS News / 60 Minutes, 5 July 2020 source ↗

Simone Biles United States artistic gymnast
Yes. Today has been really stressful. We had a workout this morning. It went okay. And then just that five and a half hour wait or something. I was just shaking, could barely nap. I've just never felt like this going into a competition before. And I tried to go out here and have fun. And warm up in the back went a little bit better. But then once I came out here, I was like, "No, mental is not there. So I just need to let the girls do it and focus on myself."

Recorded Post-competition press conference, Ariake Gymnastics Centre, Tokyo Olympics, Rev, 27 July 2021 source ↗

Ellie Simmonds British Paralympic swimmer, 2008–2021
When I was in Beijing, London, and also in Rio I was still a kid really, I didn't feel pressure. Now I'm a 26 year old woman. Being a lot older I feel those expectations. And it's definitely hard on my shoulders, to the extent where in training I'm ok but in competitions I panic, and I do stupid things. Working with [my psychologist], at these Games one of the things I'm proud of is I didn't have any panics. I was so happy about that - I went out and raced and enjoyed it.

Recorded Tokyo Aquatics Centre, Tokyo Paralympics, The Telegraph, 2 September 2021 source ↗

Cathy Freeman Australian sprinter, 1990–2003
I was really vulnerable right before I left the coach, and I said to him, 'Are you still going to love me if I don't win this thing?'

Recorded The Front Bar, Seven Network, 7NEWS, 31 May 2024 source ↗

Katie Taylor Irish professional boxer; Olympic champion 2012
There are days when I wake up and don't want to move, but you must show up!

Recorded RTÉ, 7 July 2025 source ↗

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