Preface

Abstract

First paragraph: It may come as a shock to some but possibly the most supremely confident athlete of modern times, Muhammad Ali, experienced emotions prior to competing that all of us can recognize. What is also apparent, given Ali’s legendary status as a sportsman, that he was able to cope with these emotions, clearly crucial in a sport such as boxing where failure to do so could have substantial consequences for the athlete. The emotional highs and lows of competitive sport, whether experienced as a competitor, spectator or coach may be the essential ingredient that gives sport its universal and compelling appeal. Who could fail to share the intense anticipation, nervousness, excitement, relief and jubilation when Cathy Freeman won 400 metres gold in front of a frenzied home crowd at the 2000 Sydney Olympics?