In this episode of Perf Podcasts, hosts Bobby Tan and Sam Butterworth reflect on their experiences at international powerlifting competitions and share insights for athletes preparing for Junior Worlds. They discuss the mental and physical challenges of competing on the world stage, comparing these with local competitions. Bobby and Sam emphasise the importance of learning from every competition, whether it ends in success or not.

Key Topics:

• Past Competitions: Bobby talks about his experience in Romania, dealing with injuries, and the mental preparation needed. Sam shares his journey to Malta, highlighting the challenges he faced, including weight management and adapting to new environments.
• Preparation Strategies: The hosts stress the importance of having a comprehensive plan, from packing lists to managing weight cuts, and the need to adjust and adapt on the fly.
• Mindset and Reflection: They delve into the psychological aspects of competition, such as dealing with nerves and the importance of reflection post-competition to improve future performance.
• Coaching Tips: For coaches, they advise on understanding the individual needs of their athletes, especially in terms of mental preparedness, and ensuring athletes are ready to seize opportunities on competition day.

The episode concludes with encouragement for athletes to stay focused, enjoy the experience, and always learn from each competition, no matter the outcome.