Stakes Changing the Game of Sports: Exploring the Impact of High-Stakes in Athletic Competitions
First and foremost, high-stakes competitions create an unparalleled level of pressure for athletes. The weight of expectations and the desire to succeed at the highest level can have a profound impact on an athlete's mental and physical abilities. As the stakes soar, athletes find themselves testing their limits, challenging their own capabilities, and displaying a level of skill and determination that sets them apart from the rest. The pressure to succeed in high-stakes competitions often leads to new heights of human performance, as athletes tap into reserves of strength, resilience, and focus that may have otherwise remained dormant.