Insights on Mental Performance at Toppidrett Olympiasamling

Collective Innovation was happy to attend the Toppidrett Olympiasamling 2024, organised by the Norwegian Olympic Committee. This unique event brought together Norway's top athletes, coaches, and specialists to explore the crucial role of mental performance in achieving excellence.

The day began with an engaging agenda designed to delve deep into the mindset and mental skills that drive peak performance. Kicking off the event was an opening speech by Tore Øvrebø, Director of Olympiatoppen, who welcomed attendees and set a motivating tone for the discussions that followed.

Anne Marte Pensgaard, a professor in sports psychology, shared valuable insights on the theme of "Mental Training – Right Focus at the Right Time." Highlighting Olympiatoppen's model for developing mental skills, she discussed strategies for stress management, visualization, goal-setting, and inner dialogue. Anne Marte introduced the "iMaxFocus – Olympic Edition," a structured program aimed at enhancing athletes' focus, relaxation, and resilience, with practical tools such as body scanning, concentration exercises, and breathing techniques. Her talk emphasised the importance of a targeted, consistent mental training regimen for athletes striving to reach the pinnacle of their sports.

Filip August Bendi followed with a compelling presentation titled "Når det koker i toppen – den usynlige verktøykassen" (When the Pressure Mounts – The Invisible Toolbox). Bendi delved into the often-overlooked tools that help athletes manage stress and maintain mental clarity in high-pressure situations.

Stine Oftedal Dahmke, an esteemed Norwegian handball player and team captain, addressed the theme of "The Team and Its Mental Resilience." Drawing from her experiences leading her team to victory, she shared essential strategies for fostering collective confidence and unity. Key points included the concepts of "Thorifisert" (preparation and adaptation), commitment to team goals, and the powerful motto "The strength of the team is my strength." Stine underscored the importance of creating a shared identity, using active triggers for motivation, and becoming comfortable with discomfort—a vital skill in high-stakes competitions. Her emphasis on leading by example and maintaining a resilient mindset resonated strongly with the audience.

One of the highlights of the event was the opportunity for participants to engage in close discussions with Olympic athletes. Among them was Marcus Rooth, Olympic champion, who shared his experiences and perspectives on mental toughness and the unseen mental tools that underpin his success. This unique session allowed attendees to connect with champions on a personal level, gaining first-hand insights into the mental strategies that drive top performers.

Following the presentations, the program continued with walk-and-talk discussions with Tommy Urhaug, Paralympic table tennis champion and Solfrid Koanda, Olympic weightlifting champion.

These activities reinforced the importance of holistic preparation—both mental and physical—in sports performance.

As the day came to a close, participants left with a deeper understanding of the mental resilience required in elite sports. The Toppidrett Olympiasamling 2024 offered invaluable knowledge, actionable strategies, and a reminder that the mental game is just as crucial as the physical one when aiming for gold.

At Collective Innovation, we’re inspired by the insights from this gathering and are excited to implement these approaches in our projects supporting young athletes. This event underscored the power of mental training as a cornerstone of success—a philosophy we are proud to champion.