mar.14.2006

South African cricket captain Graeme Smith was quoted after the fourth one day game won by Australia as saying the Australian team "choked" their way to a one wicket win. Ricky Pointing the Australian captain was not amused.

To be branded a choker is considered a fatal character flaw in Elite level sports.

There are those who believe that athletes can be taught how to cope with pressure. In particular the pressure to perform.Hence the growing importance of Sports Psychologist. However There are skeptics who believe it is an overrated intrusion.

The TTOC leans to the school that believes that the psychological aspect is a key component of an integrated performance management protocol.

The inability to cope with the pressure of Big events and the attendant spotlight and expectations have been the Achilles heel for many a budding talent. Sports Psychologist Dr Margaret Ottley is the individual charged with the responsibility to address the psychological aspect of the Bhp Billiton sponsored T&T Commonwealth quest for glory. Dr Ottley has assisted the TTOC since 1999.

According to Secretary General Brian Lewis it is an area that the TTOC will not overlook .

"When you have athletes who are all on par talent and preparation wise. Mental toughness and discipline becomes decisive Who can focus their self belief and self confidence and manage their fear of failure to step up and reproduce their best in the cauldron and spotlight will take home the medals".

The 18th Commonwealth Games will get under way in Melbourne on Wednesday 15Th March. 71 Commonwealth Nations will participate.

In other Commonwealth Games news the count down is well underway and so far so good says Chef de Mission Mushtaque Mohammed.

"The bulk of the contingent came in a couple days ago they were as expected tired after the long flight. Dr Ali and the medical team are paying close attention to everyone. Monitoring their diet and rest patterns,"said Mohammed.

As always there is the air of expectancy and excitement ahead of the Opening Ceremony. As always there is a buzz of anticipation surrounding the announcement by the Chef de Mission of his selection as to who will have the honour of carrying the T&T FLAG and leading the T&T parade into the Melbourne Cricket Grounds venue for the the Opening Ceremony.

T&T will parade in their new look Meiling designed outfit.