High-performance sports are challenging and require dedication, intense training and technical support. However, they are also surrounded by myths and misconceptions that generate doubts about this sport. After all, what really defines a high-performance athlete? Can only those who train since childhood reach the top? Is the effort required the same for conventional and Paralympic athletes?
To answer these and other questions, we’ve put together 10 myths and truths about high-performance sports and how the Ramacrisna Institute, through the Viva o Esporte project, in partnership with Betim City Hall, contributes to the training of high-level athletes and the democratization of sport.
High-performance sport differs from recreational or amateur sport by the level of demand and dedication of the athletes. While recreational sport is about leisure, socializing and well-being, high-performance sport is about competing at a high level. Athletes train daily, follow a disciplined routine and rely on technical and scientific support to achieve the best results. In addition, sports performance is monitored by strict metrics and training is adjusted to constantly improve performance.
Myth: Although many athletes start early, there are examples of sportspeople who started as adults and still reached the top level. What really matters is dedication and adequate technical support.
True. High-performance athletes follow rigorous training, combined with a balanced diet and multidisciplinary monitoring. In athlete support programs, such as Viva o Esporte, for example, athletes receive all the support they need to maintain high performance.
Myth: Paralympic sport is just as demanding as any other discipline, requiring a high level of physical, technical and psychological preparation. Athlete Rayssa Mendonça, who has Down syndrome, won gold and bronze medals at the Virtus Global Games, the world’s biggest competition for athletes with intellectual disabilities in 2023. She started at Viva o Esporte in 2016 and has gone on to have a successful career. Last year, she shone again at the World Down Athletics Championships in Turkey, winning gold in the javelin throw.
True. Projects like Viva o Esporte, run by the Ramacrisna Institute in partnership with Betim City Hall, offer infrastructure, qualified coaches and specialized support for Olympic and Paralympic athletes. For example, the program has already revealed talents such as Ana Patrícia, a gold medalist in beach volleyball at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. She joined the project in 2013 to practise volleyball, but it was on the sands that she found herself.
Myth: the concept of high performance is linked to performance and commitment, regardless of awards. In other words, each athlete’s path is one of constant evolution, and Ramacrisna values every stage of this process.
True. Competitive pressure can be exhausting, making psychological support essential for emotional balance and sports performance. That’s why Viva o Esporte is concerned with athletes’ all-round well-being, promoting a healthy and motivating environment.
Myth: Although there are challenges, initiatives like Viva o Esporte prove that there are investments and projects that help reveal talent and promote inclusion. The program caters for children from the age of 4, offering opportunities from an early age.
True. Athletes like Ana Patrícia, a beach volleyball player, started out in the Viva o Esporte program and today shine in international competitions. Just like the paratriathlete Raysa Mendonça, who represented Brazil at the Trisome Games 2024. As well as training champions, sport also promotes discipline, self-esteem and citizenship.
Myth: Many need financial support or combine their sporting career with other activities, such as studies and work. Viva o Esporte seeks to offer support so that athletes have better conditions to dedicate themselves to sport.
True. Having talent helps, but it’s daily dedication, combined with a qualified team and opportunities, that allows athletes to reach the highest level. That’s why Ramacrisna works to ensure that every Viva o Esporte participant has the support they need to develop their potential to the full.
At Ramacrisna Institute, the commitment to sport goes beyond training champions. The Viva o Esporte program offers not only high-performance sports, but also sports and recreational activities for children, young people, adults and the elderly, with and without disabilities. There are various activities, such as dance, futsal, gymnastics, athletics, volleyball, taekwondo and much more, promoting health, inclusion and quality of life for the whole community.
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