How to Cope with Press-Stress at the Olympics.

I am watching the US women gymnast being interviewed on NBC. The journalist are asking plenty of questions about how hard it must be to get to this point and how much pressure there must be, personal rivalry within the team and so on and so forth.
I am sure the coach would rather that the gymnasts were left alone without being asked questions before their competition that they themselves are trying to keep out of their heads to keep focused.
There is plenty of time AFTER the competition to talk to TV.
Getting ready for Olympic competition is best done when the brain is in full trance mode. Keeping the outsiders out is key.
Months before and during the competition at the Atlanta Olympics, my coach became my press-officer. No one from the press had direct access to me, except shortly after the heat and the semi-final. This was particularly important in my case because I never minced my words when I explained what I felt. This helped me keep my focus.
At the Olympics, there are SO MANY distractions for athletes and coaches, especially for the newbies Olympians. It is easy to lose focus.
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