Behind the Scenes of the World Championships in Greece 🇬🇷 Why Cheering Boosts Performance

Hello everyone, this is Yoshi, the Fin President!

I just returned from the Junior World Championships in Greece yesterday. Despite various troubles, I am relieved that everyone made it back safely, and although I am feeling a bit dizzy from jet lag, the words I heard from the athletes on-site are stuck in my head.

During international expeditions like the World Championships or Asian Championships, everyone spends one to two weeks immersed in finswimming. Moreover, it is a time when there is more time to face oneself, and with the added stimulation from teammates and international athletes, it is a period where significant changes and growth are likely to occur.

As a coach, seeing the athletes' hearts and humanity grow during these times is extremely gratifying, educational, and a source of joy.

During this expedition as well, there were some interesting and wonderful insights shared by the athletes during our meetings.

It was when an athlete participating in their first international competition shared what left an impression on them.

“At the World Championships venue, I was overwhelmed by an intensity completely different from domestic competitions. The cheering from each country was also amazing... beating drums, blowing trumpets, and everyone shouting the athletes' names in unison.”

And then, they continued about their own race like this.

“Before the start, when I heard the Japanese team cheering, it gave me so much strength, and I was able to race with great confidence.”

That is a wonderful episode, isn't it?

Cheering is mysterious. Don't you also have the experience of being cheered on by someone and thinking, 'I worked harder than usual!'?

Actually, there is a solid scientific basis for this 'power of cheering.' Today, based on that athlete's experience, I would like to explain in an easy-to-understand way the surprising effects that cheering brings.

3 Scientific Effects Created by Cheering

1. Power of the Heart: Confidence and a Sense of Security Change Performance

“The feeling of having my back pushed.”

This phrase from the athlete was very impressive. In the world of psychology, this is called the 'social facilitation effect'.

Simply put, it is a phenomenon where 'you can perform better than usual when others are present.' For example, you might be able to concentrate better when studying with friends than when studying alone, or you might be able to run longer when you are with someone than when jogging alone. Don't you have experiences like that?

Furthermore, having your name called also increases 'self-efficacy.' This is the feeling of 'I can do it!'.

By being cheered on, a positive cycle is created: 'Everyone is watching. Everyone is expecting something from me. That's why I can do my best!'

The athletes from various countries I saw in Greece were truly embodying this effect. When they heard the cheering, the athletes' expressions changed, and they were filled with confidence. And it felt like their swimming gained more power. Having watched athletes from all over the world, I have witnessed such moments many times.

2. Brain and Body Reactions: Physiological Changes Triggered by Cheering

"The sound of drums, the sound of trumpets, unified cheers..."

In fact, these sounds are not just for "creating an atmosphere." From a neuroscience perspective, the sound of cheering has a direct impact on our brains.

When we hear loud cheers or music, a substance called "dopamine", is released in the brain. I'm sure many of you have heard the word dopamine somewhere before, right?

This is also known as a "pleasure chemical", and it has the effect of increasing concentration and reducing feelings of fatigue. It is this action of dopamine that makes marathon runners feel like they can keep running when they hear cheers from the roadside.

Furthermore, cheering also triggers the release of "stress-reducing hormones". The way a nervous athlete suddenly regains their composure after hearing their teammates' voices... that scene can actually be explained scientifically.

Don't you feel energized when you listen to your favorite music, or feel relieved when you hear the voice of a family member?
The same principle is at work when cheering for sports.

3. A Universal Power: The Effect of Cheering Across Cultures

What was impressive in Greece this time was that every country's team had its own unique cheering style.

For example, Turkey beats drums rhythmically with all their might to inspire their athletes, while other countries use trumpets? Vuvuzelas? to liven things up brilliantly. Many countries also have everyone chant in unison, heroically shouting the athlete's name.

But what all these cheers had in common was "love for the athlete" and "the feeling of fighting together".

And above all, I was surprised that the stronger the athlete, the more powerfully they raced in response to this cheering. It was as if they were turning the energy of the cheers directly into propulsion.

As a result, the moment the race ended, I witnessed many times the sight of not just the athlete, but the entire team sharing in the joy and sorrow together.

Distinguishing between "cheering" and "coaching" from a leader's perspective

As a leader myself, when I speak to athletes, I am more conscious of "coaching" than just "cheering."

For example, I have conversations that make anxious athletes feel at ease by making eye contact. For confident athletes, I don't say much, but instead share a smile or bump fists; I change how I speak depending on the athlete's situation.

On the other hand, pure cheering like ""Go for it!" or "Fight!"" is handled by teammates and everyone who came to support. By dividing roles, we can provide more effective support for the athletes.

When you cheer for family or friends, don't you choose your words based on their personality and situation? It's the same thing.

The power of cheering I felt during my time as an athlete

Looking back, I was saved by cheering many times during my own days as an athlete.

Especially during my time in Kanoya. In the days of practicing silently on my own, the greatest support I had was the cheering from those around me. Since 99% of an athletic career is practice, the realization that "there are people supporting me" was crucial for maintaining motivation in my daily life.

Of course, in competitions too, when my name was called before a race, or when someone said "good luck" to me... it was truly a "feeling of being pushed forward."

Of course, there were times when I felt it as pressure. But those who support you never intend to put pressure on you. It all depends on how you perceive it. If you are someone who feels support as pressure, try to relax a little and imagine the kindness of the other person.

"What if I don't get results even though they are supporting me..."

There is no point in thinking about such things, and thinking about it won't change the future.

They would rather support you for giving your all. So, even if the results of your hard work don't go well, people who support you passionately won't get angry! They will surely say with a smile, "Thank you for showing me something great!"

The universal power of support learned in Greece

What I felt again during this expedition is that support is a universal and very human act.

Even if languages and cultures differ, the feeling of "I want to support someone" or "I want to work hard together" is the same. And that feeling definitely becomes a source of strength for the other person.

I think the emotion felt by the first-time participating athlete was surely there as well.

"Support has more power than I thought."

Not only that athlete, but many athletes actually told me that during the expedition.

That's right. Support has a proven, solid power that is scientifically backed.

You are also someone's cheering squad!

You, who are reading this article, are surely someone's important cheering squad.

For your teammates, family, friends, colleagues, and sometimes even for a stranger.

Your word of "good luck," your applause, and your smile might be pushing someone forward.

And above all, you who are reading this blog are also my important cheering squad! Thank you so much, always.

Let's continue to support each other and move forward one step at a time from tomorrow onwards!

With that said, thank you for reading this far this time as well.

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See you next time!
Bye for now!

Finswimming Specialist
Finhin President Yoshihide Sekino

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