How Does Loving the Sport Impact an Athlete’s Performance?

Some of my favorite skating moments aren’t from competitions or tests—they’re the quiet ones, right after a good lesson with my coach. When something finally clicks, when I try a new skill and think, “This is so fun.” I leave the rink feeling more energized than when I arrived, excited to come back the next day. I’m not skating to prove anything in those moments. I’m skating because I love it.

That love isn’t always loud. Sometimes, especially during slumps or stressful seasons, it’s more of an undercurrent. It doesn’t always pull me out of hard moments right away, but it’s there, quietly nudging me to keep going.

I’ve also seen that same steady passion in the athletes I work with. Their joy is contagious. When they say things like, “I’m just happier when I skate,” it reminds me to return to the parts of the sport that bring me joy, too.

Loving the sport is more than a feel-good phrase. It can shift how we approach challenges, how we recover from setbacks, and how we show up, not just as athletes, but as people. Below are a few ways that love for the game can shape performance, motivation, and long-term mental health.

Intrinsic Motivation and Peak Performance

When athletes love their sport, their motivation typically stems from within. This is called intrinsic motivation. Unlike external rewards, such as medals or rankings, intrinsic motivation is fueled by joy, curiosity, and the satisfaction of personal improvement. That’s especially important for athletes who face high levels of pressure or have marginalized identities in sport environments that don’t always feel inclusive or safe. Intrinsic motivation helps athletes stay grounded in their reasons for showing up.

Athletes who are intrinsically motivated are also more likely to experience flow—a mental state of deep focus and effortlessness. In flow, time seems to slow down, and performance often reaches new levels. Loving the sport increases the likelihood of entering this state, creating space for both joy and excellence.

Resilience Through Challenges

All athletes encounter setbacks, such as injuries, performance slumps, or moments of doubt. Passion for the sport doesn’t erase the difficulty, but it does offer a reason to keep going. It provides a throughline, a sense of identity and purpose that can carry athletes through the hard days.

For example, an athlete recovering from injury might find rehab grueling. But their love for the game (whether rooted in movement, community, or culture) can fuel their motivation to heal. That inner drive helps them reframe the pain as part of the process, not the end of the story.

Better Mental Health and Reduced Burnout

Burnout often stems from chronic stress paired with a lack of joy or autonomy. That’s why loving the sport on your own terms can act as a protective factor. It’s a reminder that sport isn’t just about winning. It’s about expression, identity, creativity, and connection.

This matters deeply for athletes navigating intersecting pressures—those balancing school, work, caregiving roles, or systemic inequities in their sport. When love is the anchor, sport can become a mental health resource instead of a stressor.

Enhanced Learning and Growth

Athletes who love their sport tend to have a growth mindset. They’re more open to feedback, more willing to try new things, and less likely to see mistakes as failures. Instead, they see challenges as part of the learning process.

This kind of mindset supports long-term development, not just of skills, but of confidence. In inclusive environments, where athletes feel safe to be themselves, love for the sport can spark innovation, curiosity, and resilience.

Stronger Team and Social Connections

In team environments, passion is often contagious. An athlete who loves the game may bring energy and optimism that helps uplift others. And when sport is joyful, it becomes easier to build trust and camaraderie, especially in diverse teams where athletes come from different backgrounds, abilities, or life experiences.

Loving the sport also fosters deeper relationships with coaches, mentors, and teammates. These connections are crucial to psychological safety and belonging, two key elements that foster both well-being and performance.

Balancing Passion with Pressure

While love for sports is powerful, it’s essential to recognize when it becomes entangled with identity or self-worth. When athletes feel like they are their sport, setbacks can feel personal or devastating.

This is why it’s essential to create space for athletes to explore who they are beyond their performance. Sport psychologists can help athletes honor their passion while setting boundaries so that love for the game becomes a source of strength, not stress.

A Love That Fuels Growth and Belonging

Loving your sport doesn’t always look like big emotions or constant excitement. Sometimes it’s the quiet joy after a practice, the deep breath before trying again, or the steady pull to return, no matter how hard it’s been. That kind of love can be a powerful anchor, especially when results aren’t going your way.

Notice when that love feels present, and when it feels distant. Both offer information. Returning to what makes your sport yours—fun, freedom, creativity, and connection—can help you navigate pressure with greater resilience and purpose.

Reflection Prompt:

When was the last time you felt a sense of joy or curiosity in your sport—just for you, not for anyone else? What were you doing, and what made it feel meaningful?

Curious how love for your sport impacts performance and well-being?

Working with a sport psychology professional can help you strengthen your mindset, reconnect with your motivation, and build a relationship with sport that lasts. Whether you're chasing goals or rebuilding joy, you're not alone. Reach out today to explore what’s possible when passion leads the way.

START HERE

Legal Disclaimer

This blog post is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for mental health treatment, psychological services, or medical advice. Reading this post does not create a therapist-client relationship. If you are seeking support for your mental health or well-being, consider reaching out to a licensed mental health professional in your area.