The Invisible Opponent: How Body Image and Surveillance Shapes Sport Performance
02/19/25 • 34 min
Athletes train to be stronger, faster, and more skilled but what happens when their toughest opponent is their own reflection? In this episode, we explore the impact of body image and body surveillance in sport, from how uniforms influence participation to the subtle ways coaching language shapes self-perception. Dr. Catherine Sabiston, an expert in sport psychology, reveals how negative body image affects confidence, performance, and mental health. We discuss strategies for athletes, coaches, and sport leaders to foster a healthier culture, one that values performance over appearance. Because true athletic success isn’t just about how you look, it’s about what you can do.
Resources:
> Dr. Catherine Sabiston’s Research
This podcast is brought to you by Canada's Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC). Follow along with SIRC's francophone podcast to hear even more of the groundbreaking research and the strategies that propel our teams and athletes forward.
Athletes train to be stronger, faster, and more skilled but what happens when their toughest opponent is their own reflection? In this episode, we explore the impact of body image and body surveillance in sport, from how uniforms influence participation to the subtle ways coaching language shapes self-perception. Dr. Catherine Sabiston, an expert in sport psychology, reveals how negative body image affects confidence, performance, and mental health. We discuss strategies for athletes, coaches, and sport leaders to foster a healthier culture, one that values performance over appearance. Because true athletic success isn’t just about how you look, it’s about what you can do.
Resources:
> Dr. Catherine Sabiston’s Research
This podcast is brought to you by Canada's Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC). Follow along with SIRC's francophone podcast to hear even more of the groundbreaking research and the strategies that propel our teams and athletes forward.
Previous Episode
Beyond the Stats: Understanding Sleeper Athletes with Dr. Joe Baker
In the debut episode of Sport Intelligence: The Canadian Perspective, host Paula Baker looks at the intricate world of talent identification and athlete development with Dr. Joe Baker, a leading expert from the University of Toronto. Explore the myth of talent, the unpredictability of athletic success, and how countries like Australia are pioneering innovative approaches to nurturing future champions. Dr. Baker shares insights on how psychological factors, feedback, and even gaze behaviour play pivotal roles in identifying and fostering 'sleeper' athletes — those who surprise everyone by excelling later in their careers. Join us as we challenge traditional methods, discuss the impact of a caring and thoughtful selection process, and consider the broader implications of talent management across an athlete's lifespan. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or sports enthusiast, this episode will reshape your understanding of what it takes to succeed in sports.
Resources:
> SIRC article: Beyond the Stats: Understanding Sleeper Athletes with Dr. Joe Baker
> Learn more about Joe Baker's research: https://www.bakerlab.kpe.utoronto.ca/
> Learn more about Joe Baker's Publications: https://www.bakerlab.kpe.utoronto.ca/publications
> Book: The Tyranny of Talent
This podcast is brought to you by Canada's Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC). Follow along with SIRC's francophone podcast to hear even more of the groundbreaking research and the strategies that propel our teams and athletes forward.
Next Episode
FUN MAPS: Rethinking the Joy of Sport
What really makes sport fun for kids—and why does it matter? Dr. Erin Sharpe joins the podcast to explore FUN MAPS, a research-based tool reshaping how we think about fun in youth sport. From redefining coaching strategies to boosting retention, discover how effort, teamwork, and challenge are key to keeping kids engaged—and enjoying—the sport experience.
Resources:
> Paper: The Fun Integration Theory: Towards Sustaining Children and Adolescents Sport Participation
> Short summary paper: The FUN MAPS: A Youth Sport Scientific Breakthrough
> Blog: What makes playing sport fun is...
> Webinar: Dr. Amanda Visek | What is FUN? The Fun Integration Theory
This podcast is brought to you by Canada's Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC). Follow along with SIRC's francophone podcast to hear even more of the groundbreaking research and the strategies that propel our teams and athletes forward.
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