Don’t Forget the Three Most Important Words before a Competition Performance

Will (15) and Chrissy (10) in 2000. Will and Chrissy heard “I love you” a lot throughout their competitive skating careers.

Last week, I talked about two words, “have fun,” that can help your skater (or any athlete) before a competition performance. I also like to use the words “have fun” before other skaters go onto the ice for their competition performances.

There are three words, though, that are even more important for your own skater. Those three words are “I love you.” I can’t think of anything more important before a competition than for your skater to know he or she is loved unconditionally, regardless of what happens in the performance or judging.

It would seem that our skaters should automatically know they’re loved. Still, competitions can create intense emotions. Why not be sure? It’s always good if the last thing your skater hears from you before going onto the ice is, “I love you.”

When Chrissy and Will were competing internationally, my husband and I often had to say those words over the phone. But over the phone or in person, “I love you” were still the last words Chrissy and Will heard from us before going onto the ice.

So, those were my words: “Have fun. I love you.” Or sometimes, “Have fun and enjoy performing. I love you.” Some athletes might respond best to just the three words “I love you.” What works best for you and your athlete?