Thomas Pichler - Pre Australian Gymnastics Championships

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Category: Thomas Pichler

Matt: First off, how are you feeling both physically and mentally leading into the event?

Thomas: I’m feeling good both physically and mentally, it has been a busy 6 months in the lead up to this final selection trial. I’m excited to finally be getting an answer for the selection. Imagine knowing you have a 50% chance of winning a million dollars and being told you have to wait 6 months to finding out, it can start to get to you.

Matt: What training have you been doing to get you ready for this event?

Thomas: I’ve been doing a lot of routines in the lead up to the competition. Basically, for the last month I have been doing full routines every second day.

Matt: The Olympic Gymnastics team is named after this event, with only one male gymnasts being selected, how are the nerves going into the event?

Thomas: Nerves are a part of this sport and I’ve been doing it for a while. The nerves are definitely heightened with so much on the line but I’m just going to be focused on what I can control and do my best.

Matt: How do you combat them?

Thomas: Taking deep breaths and steadying myself before I get up on each apparatus. I like to take the time to go through my routines in my head.

Matt: On comp day how do you get yourself focused before each event?

Thomas: I like to have a good rest before competing. Generally I do a light training session in the morning on the day of competition. I use mental imagery to get focused as the competition approaches and getting my head in a positive frame of mind.

Matt: What would we find in your comp day bag?

Thomas: Competition uniform - leotards, longs and short. Competition equipment. Powerbar or two, water bottle, towel, slippers, few rolls of tape

Matt: What is your nutrition like from 24hrs before the comp starts till the comp is over?

Thomas: Light on the food, bit of carb loading the dinner the night before. I generally eat healthy in the lead up to competitions, reducing the amount of artificial food and sticking to meats, veges, fruit and nuts.

Matt: How do you recovery in between the events?

Thomas: Use of ice baths, physiotherapy or massage, eating plenty of protein to help the muscles recover.

Matt: How is the confidence leading into the event?

Thomas: It’s pretty high, I’ve been consistently making routines in training and that is a good way to lead up to competitions

Wish you the very best of luck!!

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