Mapping a road to victory

Sir Graham Henry knows about succes. Photo / Ron Burgen

Winners such as the country's five rowing Olympic champions make a "map of self-improvement" to achieve their goals, says former All Black coach Sir Graham Henry.

He said winning came down to desire, talent and self-reliance.

"They have a map of personal self-improvement, which comes down to a daily battle on what they have to do to get the best out of themselves," said Sir Graham.

He imagined the rowing champions of Mahe Drysdale, Hamish Bond, Eric Murray, Nathan Cohen and Joseph Sullivan had done exactly that.

"I also think they've got the mental toughness.

"They're obviously very goal-oriented, but when it comes to performing they must concentrate on getting the best out of themselves and forget about the result until the race is over. So they're very process-oriented rather than thinking about the result while they're doing it."

Sports psychologist Gilbert Enoka said success required years of hard work, and an "unbelievable" focus on the day to deliver.

He said the more experienced athletes who have "had a taste" of high level competition tend to do better than younger, less experienced sportspeople.

And he said genetics also plays a major part in a person getting to the top of their game.

"There's lots of people around who can work as hard as they like but will never get on that dais," said Enoka.

"There are examples of average people who have achieved extraordinary things, but genes play a huge part. And when you combine that with an intense work ethic, that is normally a champion combination."