CAP Programme Continues Virtually

Throughout this online learning period, our CAP athletes have pushed on with their programme and each Monday over sixty students meet with their mentors to continue their learning and application of exactly what it takes to become the best athlete that you can be. We have seized the ‘opportunity’ of this lockdown to really push on with our knowledge and understanding of topics such as coping strategies, nutrition, ‘at home’ fitness testing, prehab and recovery, as well as continuing to ensure we focus keeping on top of our own motivation to train at this tricky time.  

This Monday we were extremely lucky to welcome GB hockey international Jack Waller into our virtual meeting. With 43 caps for GB, a World Cup, a EuroHockey Championship as well as playing EHL Hockey for Wimbledon at the age of just 23, Jack was as impressive in person as he is on paper. 

BHUBANESWAR, INDIA – Jack Waller (Eng) with Trent Mitton (Aus) , England v Australia for the bronze medal during the Odisha World Cup Hockey for men in the Kalinga Stadion. COPYRIGHT KOEN SUYK

 Jack was on track for selection for the Tokyo Olympics, which of course have now been postponed to 2021. Our CAP students main source of interest was therefore in how he has mentally been able to cope with this disappointment, as well as exactly how he has adjusted to maintaining his training during this lockdown period. Our students asked some incredibly insightful questions, which Jack answered with some superb responses which really can serve to motivate us all at this time.

• Use this period as an opportunity to pay attention to some of the things that you might not normally focus on: stretching, nutrition, extra individual skills work – focus on the ability that you have to actually emerge from lockdown a stronger, fitter and more skilful athlete.  
• This also applies to a period in your future where you may suffer an injury setback – vow to emerge from rehab an even stronger athlete than you were before.  
• Whatever sport you play, play the game how you want to play it. Back yourself! 
• Be true to yourself and do not worry about what other people think of your game – find your very own ‘x’ factor that makes you different from everyone else. 

We would welcome Jack back to Caterham at any time and we wish him luck in preparing for Tokyo 2021. Special thanks must go to Mr Friend for organising the visit.