may place direct pressure on an athlete to perform and may be the source of further internal pressure to succeed. This being that if the athlete is great then he or she must have a great coach.PeerCompetitors set the standards to which an athlete must perform. If an athlete believes that a competitor has obtained some kind of advantage, then the pressure to also have or use this advantage is significant, for example, a better designed golf club, a lighter running shoe or the use of steroids. Similar peer group pressure may come from teammates.Spectators/crowdSpectators create a great source of pressure both at the elite and lower levels of competition. At the elite level, athletes are often adopted as role models and will often take the hopes and aspirations of thousands of fans into competition. Spectators are also the source of money and applause, hence the athlete may feel pressure to perform to standards expected by the public. The fickle nature of public support also creates pressure. Generally, we all love a winner and often adopt a 'win at all costs' mentality. At the lower level of competition the presence of spectators may increase the anxiety levels of athletes. This may affect an athlete's performance and in due course influence an athlete's behavior. (Bower)MediaThe media plays an important role in shaping the opinions and attitudes of the general public. How the media portrays an athlete, and how they report on an athlete's performance, can not only influence the public but the athlete as well. (6)SocialPressure for sporting success may also be the result of social incentives to achieve. The glory and recognition for sporting achievements is a strong motivator towards success. Sporting success may provide an athlete with greater access and mobility to other social groups, that is, successful athletes are usually given the opportunity to meet and mix with people outside their usual social group, such as politicians and med...
