After asking Bill Purcell on his thoughts surrounding pre-race anxiety, this is what he had to say,
"As a college swimmer, pre-race anxiety is something I've grappled with throughout my swimming career. It's this mix of excitement and nervousness that hits me before every race. It's normal; it means I care about doing well.
It manifests differently for everyone, but for me, it's mostly in my stomach – that churning feeling. My heart races, my palms get sweaty, and sometimes I struggle to catch my breath. It's this fear of the unknown, the pressure to perform.
Over the years, I've developed strategies to cope with it. Deep breathing exercises help me calm down. I also remind myself of my training and preparation. Visualizing a successful race can be powerful. My teammates are a huge support system too. We talk each other through it.
The anxiety never entirely goes away, but I've learned to embrace it. I've come to see it as a sign that I'm challenging myself. It keeps me focused and sharp. When I dive into the water, that anxiety transforms into determination and a hunger to win."
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