Managing brain chemistry to avoid burnout is crucial to sporting success – and something we can all learn from the jigsaw-playing Euros winners
Dr Amy Izycky is a clinical psychologist specialising in professional sport and neuropsychology
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n Sunday the Lionesses clinched a historic victory in the Euros final against Spain, becoming the first England team to win a major international tournament abroad. As a clinical psychologist who works with professional athletes and sports teams, I know that discipline and aggression will have played an important role in their victory – but that habits and hobbies off the pitch might have been just as vital.
In the training camp, away from the spotlight and competition of the tournament, the Lionesses would come together in the evenings to engage in wholesome activities including building Lego, doing jigsaws and playing Monopoly. Michelle Agyemang played a piano in her room. Defender Lotte Wubben-Moy brought a sourdough starter from home for the team chef to feed. They were also encouraged to spend time with their families and to talk and journal about “how they had made it to the Euros, their footballing journeys and the personal battles they had faced”.
