Grant’s Whisky reveals the ‘magic fifth’ to sporting success.
When it comes to the ups and downs of sport it seems there could be a winning formula after all, according to research commissioned by family owned Grant’s Whisky, which supports sport at grass roots level.
Professor of Sport Psychology, Andy Lane, has investigated the difference between winners and losers and has calculated that the likely recipe for success is a winning combination of skill, physical fitness and psychological strength.
While physical fitness, skill and biomechanical components are essential and contribute to 80 per cent of the winning formula, Andy Lane believes the ‘magic fifth’, which is down to psychological factors, is the clincher. “20 per cent of the formula is down to motivation, confidence and self-belief and these factors are nearly always the results of a solid support network. Family, friends and coaches are there from the beginning, cheering on the athlete from the touchline, helping them to bounce back after a loss and to manage the high level of pressure along the journey.
“Having this support network helps build the player’s confidence and is key in terms of visualisation, goal setting and self-mantra. Many athletes have the same skill and fitness levels but those at the top, who stay at the top, have the psychological advantage. This ‘magic fifth’ is the winning component as a positive mental attitude has a prolific effect on performance’, he adds.
Ali Cloudsdale at Grant’s Whisky adds: ‘We’ve commissioned this research as part of the Grant’s Whisky Stand Together campaign which celebrates the ethos of shared achievement. Behind every great success there’s a great circle of support which provides encouragement and motivation and helps instil the belief that you can succeed. This is the culture behind Grants Whisky which was founded 1897 and is still family owned today.’
The campaign features football legends Sir Geoff Hurst, Gordon Banks and Archie Gemmill sharing their experiences going back to their childhood clubs, where support and encouragement had an impact on their professional sporting achievements. These exclusive behind the scenes videos are available to view on the Grant’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmspnbB98FRmOPSFf0eqXQQ/featured
Grant’s Whisky is an independent, family owned brand which has enjoyed five generations of shared achievement and is now giving back to local sports clubs with the same heritage, values and successes. Chelmsford Football Club, Sheffield Football Club and Paisley Football Club have all received donations to help improve and develop their clubs for continued enjoyment and success for years to come.
