2 August 2024

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Mindfulness has been a part of the Olympics for the last 40 years. In 1984, Jon Kabat-Zinn introduced meditation to the US rowing team, helping them to achieve a silver medal. Since then, our understanding of the benefits of meditation for athletes has grown, with the Paris 2024 Olympics introducing a state-of-the-art mindfulness zone to support athletes with VR meditation, breathing, and visualisation experiences.

But who is most likely to be using this dedicated mindfulness space in Paris? Here are six 2024 Olympic athletes from around the world who credit (part of!) their success to their meditation practice. 

P.S - did we miss anyone out? Add to the list in the comments at the bottom of the page!

1. Novak Djokovic - Serbia

Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic, a multiple Grand Slam champion, considers meditation a crucial part of his daily routine.

"Meditation is really important to me; it is one of the main points in my day to day, not only in training or in my tennis career," Djokovic said. "I have incorporated aspects of meditation into my daily routines, they make me feel good. 

"Meditation can be many things, but as professional athletes we are always active: we need a lot of energy on the track, a very high level of concentration, and I think that today's technologies and distractions that we have don't allow us to pay the necessary attention to relax, breathe, recharge batteries and focus on ourselves," Djokovic added. 

His dedication to mindfulness not only enhances his tennis performance but also helps him maintain a balanced life.

2. Lovlina Borgohain - India

Lovlina Borgohain, an Indian boxer who earned a bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, is known for her dedication and resilience in the ring. Originally from Assam, Lovlina emphasises the importance of mental strength in sports. 

In a 2024 interview, Lovlina shared: “Psychology plays a huge role in sports. I feel our minds can deceive us and our confidence can fluctuate between two extremes sometimes. So I am meditating and praying daily to keep my mind clear of distractions. This has helped me a lot when I am competing professionally.”

3. John John Florence - USA

John John Florence, a celebrated surfer from the USA, is renowned for his exceptional talent and has been a dominant force in the world of surfing. The two-time world champion finds solace in meditation, which he credits for enhancing his performance.

In a 2024 interview, Florence shared “Meditations are really good help for me especially in being able to take a step back and see where I am and see what I'm doing and not get so caught up in the moment,” Florence explains.

“The one I've been doing a lot lately is just trying to breathe and think about space and create a lot of space. If I can create as much space as I can, it allows me to be excited and all the good things come out of it, rather than so many thoughts, if I win or lose, or this happens or that happens. I let go of it all.”

By creating mental space, he stays grounded and performs his best, even in the unpredictable conditions of surfing competitions.

4. Malaika Mihambo - Germany

Malaika Mihambo, representing Germany, is a long jumper who clinched the gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Her athletic achievements are complemented by her disciplined approach to mental preparation.

In a 2022 interview, Mihambo shared, "Meditation is a key for my preparation because I think meditation helps you to set your focus, to keep being focused over a long period of time on one thing. And it's also important because you learn how to somehow withdraw from all the pressure that's going on with you, that distracts you. And just focus on the moment and the moment you have right now and every chance you have in that moment. So that's where I'm focusing on." 

Click on the video below to hear Malaika speak more on her experience with meditation.

5. Nick Itkin - USA

Nick Itkin, a talented American fencer, has emerged as one of the sport's promising athletes, with several national and international accolades to his name. His approach to competition includes a routine of meditation to help maintain composure and focus.

Nick told the Tokyo Olympics, "In the morning, I'll do a quick meditation before a tournament,” he says, adding that he usually just finds a meditation video on YouTube to guide him.

Breathing is something he’s been focused on not only to get into the zone but also to remain present during a tournament.

“I used to have a lot of moments where I would get caught up with the emotions of the bout and I didn’t let myself breathe, which is one of the things that helps blood come to your body. So I’ve learned how to breathe properly while I'm fencing.” 

6. Tom Daley - Great Britain

You didn't think we'd miss out beloved British diver, Tom Daley? The Olympic gold medallist is as well-known for his mindful pool-side knitting as he is for his diving achievements.

In a BBC interview, Daley shared that his journey with mindfulness began in 2016, thanks to a suggestion from his husband, Lance. "When Lance first suggested mindfulness and meditation back in 2016, I was a bit dismissive but it's completely changed my perspective," Daley recalls. "Just taking 10 seconds to focus on my breathing in the morning, at night or even when I'm up on the board about to compete, really helps me forget any worries about what might have happened or what could happen and just live in the present."

Tom’s meditation practice, along with his creative outlet of knitting, has become an integral part of his routine, helping him stay calm and centred both in and out of the pool.

However, meditation did not always come naturally to the diver. Click the video below to learn more.

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P.S Did we miss anyone out? Add to our knowledge of athletes who meditate in the comments below  ⬇️