When I am asked about the secret to athletic success, I invariably say that the ingredient that every top athlete must have is the long-term support of an intact family with both parents being on board for the long haul. The mother must be there to solace, guide, encourage, drive, plan schedules and organize plane flights. The father must be there with unconditional financial support for all the expenses and do so without complaint. When they do this for 10 years, the talent of the young athlete can unfold to its fullest.
You will recall that Tiger Woods blossomed when his family was intact, but when his parents separated and his father passed away, all of his troubles began. The secret to success is having a family that provides all of the resources and support for the many years it takes to climb to the top.
As Hillary Clinton used to say “it takes a village” to raise a child, and it takes a strong, fully committed family to raise a winner. When the young athlete stands up on the podium to receive his or her trophy, I would like to see the parents come up there too to receive some of the applause. High level athletic accomplishment is always a team effort.
Dr. Tom Ferraro
Sport Psychologist
Dr. Tom Ferraro is a pioneer in the field of depth sport psychology and his work has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and The London Times. He has appeared on all the major television networks and his books, are published by Routledge and can be found through Amazon and a variety of other major book distributors. He can be reached at drtferraro@aol.com.Â
