- There is physical preparation and there is mental preparation, and when you are a pro athlete, you cannot neglect either one. We talked about this with Ayomide Folorunso and Sofiia Yaremchuk.
- Mental preparation is crucial in high-level sports, and it complements physical preparation with techniques such as visualization, positive thinking, and personal determination.
- Sacrifice in sports also leads to great satisfaction, with different experiences: Ayomide sees giving up as a life lesson, while Sofiia sees sports as a source of wealth.
In high-level sports, pushing beyond one’s limits isn’t just about muscle and training. Physical preparation is crucial, but at a certain level, mental strength becomes just as essential.
Thanks to Nike, at the launch of the new Vomero 18 in Milan, we had the chance to discuss this with two incredible young athletes: Ayomide Folorunso and Sofiia Yaremchuk.
Ayomide, a 400-meter hurdles specialist, follows me to the interview room at an unhurried pace, smiling:“We athletes are so slow when we’re not on the track.”
Born in Nigeria and raised in Parma, she combines raw power with technical finesse. On the track, she breaks national records and claims European youth titles.
Sofiia, of Ukrainian descent, is a marathon and middle-distance runner known for her elegant style and consistent training. Unlike many athletes, she has chosen to forgo a mental coach, relying solely on her own discipline—but more on that in a moment.
Breaking limits, one day at a time
At the highest level, every training session is a personal test. Passing it means growth—physically and mentally. Ayomide sums it up:
“Athletics is a series of small daily challenges. When I push through a tough workout, I know I can do it again.”
Sofiia agrees and highlights the importance of precision:“The stronger you get, the more precise you have to be—in everything. From gym work to nutrition, from recovery to rest. Every second gained is the result of tremendous effort.”
Success isn’t just talent; it’s dedication and discipline.
The mind is the game-changer
If the body runs, the mind pushes it further. Mental preparation isn’t just about focus—it’s about tools like visualization and positive thinking.
“Smiling helps so much, and it’s actually scientific,” Ayomide explains. “When you smile, your brain believes everything is fine, so you handle challenges better.”
Faith and meditation also play a role in her mindset. As for visualization? “I’ve been doing it all along without realizing it. When my mental coach explained it, it was just about refining something I was already using.”
Sofiia, on the other hand, trusts entirely in her own autonomy: “I have no psychologist or mental coach. But I know exactly what my goal is. That clarity keeps me focused on every step of my journey.”
Sacrifices and rewards
An athlete’s life is full of sacrifices—but also immense personal rewards. “Sports have taken time away from my social life,” Ayomide admits. “But it taught me to focus on what truly matters.”
Sofiia, however, sees no sacrifice at all: “Sport didn’t take anything from me. It gave me everything—experiences, travel, friendships. It helped me discover the world.”
Different perspectives, same conclusion: sport is an incredible training ground for life.
Handling the pressure
I’ve always wondered—what does it feel like to compete with an audience watching, cheering, or even criticizing? Is it a boost or a burden? For Ayomide, pressure is entirely self-made: “No one can be harder on me than I am on myself.”
ì Sofiia, however, thrives on external energy: “I respond well to pressure—it actually helps me. At the London Marathon, the crowd pumped me up so much I was afraid I’d start too fast! Their support is an incredible boost.”
The state of sports facilities
Top athletes all start on the same athletic fields—but have those facilities evolved? Are young athletes today benefiting from better conditions?
The answer is mixed. Ayomide shares her frustration: “I waited five years for a decent track, and they still didn’t get it right.” Sofiia acknowledges room for improvement but remains grateful for what’s available.
One thing is clear: for the next generation to thrive, investment in sports infrastructure needs to be a priority.
If shoes had superpowers…
To end on a lighter note, I ask both athletes: If your shoes could have any superpower, what would it be? Ayomide laughs: “To make me fly away from fatigue!”
Sofiia, a fan of the Vomero 18s she’s been training in, takes a more grounded approach:
“The right shoes make all the difference in preventing injuries and running at your best.”
Sounds like she already has a superpower on her feet.