In this episode of Mental Training Room, former gymnast Katie McNamara opens up about her experience with the twisties—a terrifying mental block that causes gymnasts to lose awareness mid-air. Katie shares what it was like to face mental blocks throughout her career, how perfectionism shaped her identity as an athlete, and the mental toll of chasing flawless performance. We explore the connection between gymnastics and athlete mental health, the stigma around struggling with focus and confidence, and practical ways athletes can begin to overcome fear and perfectionism in their sport.

Whether you’re a gymnast, coach, or athlete dealing with performance anxiety, this conversation sheds light on the mental side of gymnastics and reminds us that every athlete battles more than what we see on the competition floor.

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