The P⁷ approach to the Olympic challenge: Sharing a practical framework for mission preparation and execution

Abstract

The Olympic Games represent the biggest and third biggest sporting occasions in the world (Summer and Winter, respectively). As such, dealing with the various challenges and optimising performance at this event has been an important dual focus for team leaders, coaches, performers, and their supporting sport psychologists. In this paper, we share an organisational approach to planning and preparation that, in our experience, provides an effective set-up for athletes, coaches, and support teams alike. Specifically, this presented framework enables the focused tasking of support staff and resources to address both individual and specific challenges. To illuminate the route via which this approach delivers its impact, underpinning mechanisms, advantages, and other considerations are also presented.

Keywords:

• Olympics
• organisation
• planning
• preparation
• support team

Acknowledgements

The first author gratefully acknowledges the contributions made by world class administrators David Dix and Simon Nathan to the evolution of these ideas.

Notes

1. Given the level of required detail, the figure contains a lot of information with “shorthand” used for parsimony. For example, in Phase 2 the athlete is reminded to avoid locally purchased medication with reference to Alain Baxter, a UK skier who lost his bronze medal at the Salt Lake City Games in 2002 after testing positive for a banned substance that originated from a US nasal spray which differed in recipe from its UK equivalent.