Former college basketball star Canyon Barry is one of many athletes balancing a 9-to-5 job with preparations for the Olympics in Paris. As a Team USA athlete in 3×3 basketball, Barry has to juggle high-level work presentations with training, all while working for L3Harris Technologies in Florida. This balancing act is a common challenge for many elite athletes, who often must work to support their high-level endeavors.
Sports psychologist Mark Aoyagi highlights the unique difficulties faced by athletes who work full- or part-time jobs, especially when compared to athletes from other countries who are paid by their government. Despite the challenges, many athletes, such as Nic Fink, Kat Holmes, and Gabby Thomas, manage to excel in their sports while also working in various professions.
Aoyagi emphasizes the importance of compartmentalization for athletes in managing their different responsibilities and stresses. This skill is crucial for athletes like Barry, who have strict daily regimens that include work, training, and little sleep. However, Aoyagi also warns that working athletes may face disadvantages in their sport due to physical and mental fatigue caused by their jobs.
Despite the challenges, working athletes like Canyon Barry and others are determined to succeed in both their professions and their athletic pursuits. Their ability to manage time, compartmentalize different aspects of their lives, and work through stress and emotions are crucial skills that help them navigate the demanding balance of work and sport.
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