Expert weighs in on impact of Olympians’ superstitions

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) -Do superstitions like wearing lucky socks actually help an athlete’s performance?

Director of University of Kentucky’s Sport and Exercise Psychology department, Dr. Marc Cormier said these simple things are encouraged and actually healthy.

“I think of things less in terms of superstition and more in terms of a routine,” Cormier said “So like, what is it that you need to do to make sure that you can dictate the behaviors that happen before a performance?”

Cormier said the science behind these pre-performance habits is simple.

The routines can give a player a sense of control and confidence, which is not only needed for a big-scale event like the Olympics but for any occasion.

“Performance is Performance right? Whether you are giving a presentation in front of a group of your peers, whether you’re going on a first date or a job interview or you’re performing in the Olympics, these are life skills,” he said.

That’s why most of these pre-game rituals, like USA Olympian Suni Lee swearing by taking a nap before hitting the mat, can be used to prepare for any life event.

Sometimes, though, Cormier said the rituals can be harmful without control over them.

“Superstition is more of a belief system that if a certain set of events happen and those events don’t necessarily have anything to do with the person and that can become problematic because as much as possible you want athletes to kind of take control over what they’re doing,” he said.

Cormier said it’s important for Olympians and even sports fans to implement routines that are manageable.

He also said you don’t have to be a pro athlete to establish a healthy ritual.

Next time, before a job interview or a little league game, a pre-performance ritual could help you gain confidence.