To be successful in sports, several factors are required, which have sparked a debate over whether being fittest and having strength is the key factor to reach the highest position, or mental health plays a more crucial role for athletes. While I understand why people support the former view, I still firmly advocate for the latter one.
On the one hand, stable health and fitness can exert several positive impacts on players. Firstly, physical strength gives players a competitive edge, allowing them to perform longer, remain in a sustainable health condition throughout the match. For instance, fitness and endurance are significantly important in basketball. Players with remarkable height and good physical condition can maintain their stamina better and perform scoring jumps more easily than others. Secondly, individuals or teams who have an athletic ability can recover from their injuries or diseases better than the average person.
On the other hand, mental attitudes are still considered to be the key factor that leads to the success of sports participants. A strong mindset can foster a sense of determination and motivation that empowers individuals and teams to overcome failure or face challenges with resilience. These qualities are not only important during competitions but also during training sessions. Furthermore, confidence and calm can be attained by psychological resilience. As a result, they can perform under pressure and make wise decisions in challenging situations, especially in decisive matches. For example, in many football competitions, Vietnamese football players are often underrated due to their smaller builds and less impressive physical appearances. However, they have still won many championships thanks to their strong fighting spirit and mental resilience.
In conclusion, although there is a correlation between fitness and strength and competitive as well as the recovery ability of the athletes, I still firmly believe that mental attitudes play a deeper role in athletes’ success due to the determination and confidence that can be reaped from sustainable mental health.