(Photo source: PAC 12 Networks and Stanford University Athletics. Scroll to the bottom to view the video interview.)

Have you ever been told that you will never improve, or you are not a good fit?

After the London 2012 Olympics, Mariya Koroleva thought she would be in serious consideration for the next Olympic team in 2016, but she was not. Mariya was told she was too old (at 23) and that she did not fit into the team that was being considered which would be much younger.

She had a choice: 1....

Pre-game rituals are tools that help world-class performers to be calm and focused during situations that are important to them. The great thing is: You don’t have to be an Olympic hopeful to use rituals to help you do your best, especially when you are under pressure and the outcome matters.

Here are a few tips, so you can set up a ritual that helps you rise to the occasion:

1).  Fuel Up:

Do you have a favorite pre-game snack or meal? If there is something that you eat and/or drink in the

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