Bart Conner & Nadia Comeneci -- Olympic Gold Medalists
"Peter Vidmar has done it again. Sport Psychology: Gymnastics is a comprehensive guide for athletes, coaches, and parents. This book outlines the philosophy that made Vidmar and Olympic gold medalist and provides the details that can make you a champion both in and out of the gym."


Tim Dagget -- Olympic Gold Medalist
"The young reader will be inspired by the stories and examples from their gymnastics heroes and will gain tremendous insight on how to deal with the mental challenges of gymnastics. Vidmar and Cogan stuck the landing!"


Book Description
A must-read for every gymnast coach parent or fan this book offers solutions to the mental and physical challenges gymnasts face in training in competing and in integrating the sport into their lifestyles. Included are tips from champions strategies for approaching the apparatus and exercises for self-assessment.


About the Author
Dr. Karen Cogan is a former UCLA gymnast and internationally known sport psychologist. She was a competitive gymnast for 10 years before two knee injuries ended her career prematurely. Karen has a master's degree in kinesiology and a Ph.D. in psychology. She consults with athletes at the University of North Texas Center for Sport Psychology as well as in her private practice. Peter Vidmar serves on the Executive Committee of USA Gymnastics. In 1984, he led the US Men's Gymnastics Team to its first-ever Olympic Gold Medal while also capturing the gold on pommel horse and the silver in the all-around competition. In addition, Peter has numerous NCAA and international titles. Today he translates his skills as a leader and motivator into inspirational presentations for Fortune 500 companies. SPL: Gymnastics is organized in seven sections: the psychology of gymnastics, the apparatus, relationships with other people in gymnastics, dealing with fear, dealing with body image and eating concerns, and the role of gymnastics in life. Each section details information and concerns most important to the gymnast, providing techniques for self-evaluation and the development of on-floor strategies to succeed in competition. SPL: Gymnastics helps gymnasts identify their strengths and weaknesses to gain the advantages they need to accomplish their goals. All athletes who read SPL: Gymnastics will benefit from the dual psychologist/pro-athlete perspective and will find themselves building confidence, improving focus, managing anxiety, and increasing motivation. The Sport Psychology Library is equipped for a wide audience of sport participants and professionals. Each book in the series is co-authored by a sport psychologist and a recognized athlete or coach. The dialogue, insight, and interaction between the practicing sport psychologist and the athlete/coach make each book highly appealing and useful. According to series editor, Gold Medal Psychological Consultants President, Shane Murphy, "The books in the Sport Psychology Library are not about psychology, but how to deal with the real-life challenges faced by those who play." Gymnastics is the second book in the series. Other books in the series include Tennis, Bowling, Golf, and Basketball.