The Train Your Brain program is a collaborative effort between the University of Nantes and the French Fencing Federation aimed at improving the mental resilience and focus of French fencers in preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Led by Maël Goisbault, an engineer, and Jean Fournier, a sports psychologist, the program draws inspiration from the mindfulness practices of Kobe Bryant and employs a transdisciplinary approach that blends elements of physiology and psychology.
The program, targeted at young male fencers aged 16 to 26, focuses on equipping athletes with mental skills to enhance performance under pressure. The researchers introduce the concept of mindfulness, emphasizing staying present in the moment and accepting thoughts and emotions rather than resisting them. By redirecting mental energy towards opponents rather than internal distractions, the researchers aim to enhance mental clarity and strategic thinking among the athletes.
Funded by the National Research Agency, the Train Your Brain program is part of a larger initiative focused on the psychology of high-performance sports to advance the scientific understanding of sports psychology and its practical applications in elite athletic training.
The potential of the Train Your Brain program to revolutionize mental training techniques in fencing and other sports is evident. Through the integration of scientific knowledge with practical training methods, the program paves the way for a new era of athletic excellence, where mental resilience is as valued as physical prowess. The insights gleaned from this program could elevate the performance of French athletes and inspire a new generation of sports professionals to prioritize mental wellness in their training regimens, especially with the Paris 2024 Olympics on the horizon.
