Breaking Barriers: Alex's Story

November 16, 20251 min read

Breaking Barriers: Alex's Story

AI of a runner

Alex was a top athlete with a big problem: performance anxiety.

Despite winning races and earning medals, Alex was fighting a tough battle with fear and stress before every competition. This wasn't just about pre-race jitters; it was a deep anxiety affecting Alex's performance and love for the sport.

Alex tried everything to beat this anxiety. mental coaches, tips from the internet, and even meditation didn't work as hoped.

For a short time, things seemed better, and Alex thought the problem was solved. But the anxiety came back, stronger than before, making Alex wonder if it was time to give up racing. Then, Alex found The Mental Performance Academy and started to work with Jo, a sport and high psychologist specialising in helping athletes overcome fear and anxiety.

Jo was different. She understood the pressure athletes face and had a plan to tackle Alex's anxiety from the roots. Jo worked closely with Alex, using a mix of strategies like talking therapy, practical exercises, and mindfulness, creating high-performance habits that are sustainable long-term.

These weren't generic tips; they were custom-made for Alex, addressing specific fears and building confidence step by step. It wasn't quick, but Alex's hard work paid off.

The track became a place of excitement again, not fear. Alex started enjoying races, hitting personal bests, and even speaking out about overcoming anxiety, helping others in the process.

Alex's story didn't just end with better race times.

It's about more than that. It's about facing fears, getting the right help (shoutout to Jo!), and coming out stronger.

Now, Alex is not just a champion on the track but an inspiration to athletes everywhere facing similar challenges.

Jo-Anne Kelleher C.Psychol. is a Sport and High-Performance Psychologist based in Nottingham, UK. She helps ambitious athletes, entrepreneurs, and professionals transform mental blocks, fear, and ADHD challenges into focus, confidence, and sustainable success. Through her company, Key Aspirations Success, Jo empowers high achievers to train their minds like their future depends on it… because it does.

Jo-Anne Kelleher C.Psychol.

Jo-Anne Kelleher C.Psychol. is a Sport and High-Performance Psychologist based in Nottingham, UK. She helps ambitious athletes, entrepreneurs, and professionals transform mental blocks, fear, and ADHD challenges into focus, confidence, and sustainable success. Through her company, Key Aspirations Success, Jo empowers high achievers to train their minds like their future depends on it… because it does.

LinkedIn logo icon
Instagram logo icon
Back to Blog