AVOID EARLY SPECIALISATION

Dr Jean Cote, a professor and director of the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies at Queen's University at Kingston in Canada speaks about sports psychology and says experiencing multiple sports not only enhances your physical and mental abilities but also allows you to find the one you are truly passionate about. Excerpts:

- Dr Jean Cote

Tell us about your background and your love for sports

Growing up in Quebec, Canada, as a French Canadian, my connection to sports began early. Ice hockey was immensely popular among kids in my region, and I found myself drawn to the game. I played as a goaltender and spent countless hours on the ice. Summers brought a change in pace, and I shifted my focus to racquet sports like tennis and badminton, with the occasional game of table tennis.

My passion for sports extended beyond just playing. By the time I was 18 or 19, I stepped away from competitive ice hockey and started exploring the mental aspects of the game. This curiosity led me to pursue a degree in sports psychology, which became the foundation for my career in sports.

Looking back, my early involvement in sports not only gave me skills on the field but also ignited a lifelong interest in understanding the psychology behind performance and competition.

What are the two positive and two negative points in sports, according to you?

There’s a very unique aspect of sport in terms of development. To me, the two most positive things about sports are its capacity to be fun and challenging. There are very few activities that combine both. For example, if you go to school, it’s challenging but not fun; if you watch television, it’s fun but not challenging. Sports offer this combination, creating an environment where there’s an opportunity for development, learning new things, and acquiring new skills.