Photo: DR

Surprising enigma… France benefits from undeniable sporting talents, however, it has always been hermetic with regard to psychology. With regard to major sports nations such as the United States, China or even Russia, it looks like a dinosaur. To reveal a psychological follow-up has long been an admission of weakness. When the flagship of hexagonal judo, Teddy Riner, in 2014 claimed psychological support since the age of 14, it had the effect of an explosion in an archaic world steeped in certainties. The first step in raising awareness that has now become vital in an environment that is by definition ultra competitive. As for the tricolor golf course, it is also gradually changing.

Her name has been repeated on the French golf scene since 2016 when it is this blonde woman with a striking gaze., lively, and modest, of which spoke "Teddy Winner". Meriem Salmi is indeed the first psychologist to join the contingent of French athletes at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Through his coach, 35-year-old Frenchman Mike Lorenzo-Vera was the first to call on this brilliant woman in 2016. Convinced that the best surround themselves with the best, he showed the way to the hexagonal elite and quickly, Benjamin Hébert, Romain Langasque or even recently Céline Boutier entered the dance ... Funny to note that the rising star, the 27-year-old Tarbais, Victor Perez obtained a bachelor's degree from the University of New Mexico in 2014 in science and… psychology, and that he is now followed by Deborah Graham, one of America's foremost mental trainers.

French Mike Lorenzo-Vera, 68th in the world - Photo: DR

Now visible in the media thanks in particular to the publication a year and a half ago of his remarkable book "Believe in your dreams and find your way", Meriem Salmi speaks humbly only of work done or still to be done. She said an exceptional mind reflects hard work spanning many years. Of course, champions have exceptional aptitudes including psychomotor and emotional intelligence to cleverly react to their environment but little neglect their mind. The American Tiger Woods is a good example. Indeed, without his knowledge and then aged 10, his father Earl, imposed on him a caddy who was none other than the psychologist, Dr. Jay Brunza. He carried the Tiger bag most of his amateur career and in particular during his three successive and historic victories at the US Amateur. Likewise, Dr. Bob Rotella, famous among others for his work "Play golf without aiming for perfection", has been preaching the good word in American universities for over twenty years. According to him, "The champion must believe above all in his own abilities, which has nothing to do with pretension" (Golf Digest, June 5, 2008). Renowned university coaches prove to be the ambassadors of "Positive thinking" and deploy a lot of energy to stop the spread of "Dark side of force" ! The bad shots of the day must systematically go by the wayside ...

The “inspiring” book by Meriem Salmi - Photo: DR

The goal is not in dependence but on the contrary in autonomy in order to make the athlete understand that defeat is an integral part of the adventure. It is only one step and also allows progress. The ultimate goal beyond performance lies in the human being and his quest for personal happiness. Too often athletes identify themselves solely on the basis of their results. In addition, the implementation of clear strategies legitimizes staying in the present and learning to reason. Exercising your mind is just as important as shaping your swing. So every competition should be meaningful, but in the long run the progression process overshadows the outcome. Therefore, this psychological preparation turns out to be tremendously benevolent and humanistic and restores faith in the human being.

Produced from an early age, it would create the foundations of a thought instigating champions. In France, school in the image of society too often falls into the easy going to focus primarily on the negative. Shaking up mentalities therefore becomes a priority to achieve excellence. In other words, this long-term learning is a sure improvement vector for French golfers who have the talent and the abilities.

American journalist Joel Beall summed up the success very nicely the fiery Norwegian of 22 spring, Victor Hovland, at the Puerto Rico Open a fortnight ago: "If you can conquer yourself, then no one can get in your way" (Golf Digest, February 23, 2020).

Photo: DR

To read the last column by Kristel Mourgue d'Algue:

Chronicle of Kristel Mourgue d'Algue: Rethinking the Olympic destiny of golf