For three-time Olympic champion and 11-time world titleholder Teddy Riner, greatness on the tatami is built as much in the mind as in the body.

In a recent interview, the French judo legend revealed that sport psychology has been central to his dominance.

Riner attributes much of his mental strength to his long-time trainer and performance coach, Julien Corvau, who played a pivotal role in preparing him for his Paris 2024 Olympic triumph:

If you had to tell me how much of a percentage he played in winning this medal, I would say, modestly, 60 to 70%.

His mental journey began at just 14, when he joined France’s national judo institute and found himself training with older athletes who made life difficult for the rising prodigy.

The psychological strain — combined with the weight of expectation — drove him to seek help from a sports psychologist:

I went to see a psychologist to prepare for my competitions, because I didn’t want to be unable to exploit what I do best if the pressure came on.

The experience reshaped how he approached competition:

You have to be an actor in your match, not a spectator…

I often tell people to replace the word psychologist with therapist, a friend, someone you go to confess to. This will help you grow, mature, and make good decisions.

Riner’s pre-competition mindset reflects that same harmony of confidence:

Every time I step onto a mat, I have to accept before even stepping on, even if I’m a bad player, that you can win or lose.

Now it’s up to you to decide what will happen in your scenario.

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