Story By Athlete - Neva Jansen
The Build-Up to Championships
Nationals is often the pinnacle event in a young athlete's season. It's one of the most significant opportunities to compete on a high-quality stage and to test yourself against the best. For many, Outdoor Nationals is the final major Championships of the season, the last chance to perform in a top-level field and finish the year on a high.
Athletes spend months, sometimes years, training for this one event. Getting the qualifying standards alone is a significant achievement, and stepping onto that stage is something to be proud of. Yet when the Championships end, many athletes experience a wave of emotions: excitement, relief, pride, or even confusion about what comes next.
When You Compete Well at Championships
Winning Nationals is one of the greatest moments in a young athlete's career. It shows that all the hard work, focus, and sacrifices have paid off. Whether winning gold, setting a personal best, or making a final, the Championships are proof of progress and growth.
However, even when things go well, there can be an emotional dip afterwards. Like Olympic champions who train for years for one performance, achieving that goal can leave you wondering, "What now?" After celebrating success at Nationals or any major Championships, it can be strange not to race to prepare for the sudden.
But for teenage athletes, the story doesn't end there. There are always more Championships to come, English Schools, future Nationals, and even the dream of the Olympics. Every achievement is a stepping stone towards something bigger. So, take time to celebrate what you've done, reflect on how far you've come, and use that confidence as motivation for the next challenge.
When Championships Don't Go to Plan
Not every championship ends with a medal or a personal best. Sometimes, despite the preparation and effort, things don't go your way. Maybe nerves got the better of you, an injury appeared at the worst time, or you didn't perform as expected. That can be tough to handle.
Feeling disappointed is entirely normal; it means you care. The important part is what happens next. Every setback can become a source of fuel. Turning frustration into motivation is what separates good athletes from great ones. The next time you step onto the track or into the circle, that experience will give you extra determination.
Every athlete faces highs and lows. Even the best in the world have Championships that don't go their way. Learning how to deal with those moments builds resilience, and that resilience will take you further than any single victory.
Finding Balance After Championships
Reaching Nationals or any major Championship is an achievement in itself. Whether you win, make a final, or gain experience, you've already done something most athletes dream of. The aftermath can feel strange, as training routines shift and goals are reset, but it's also a chance to recharge, reflect, and get excited for what's next.
The best athletes learn to enjoy the journey, not just the destination. There will always be more Championships, goals, and opportunities to grow. What matters most is taking pride in the effort, learning from each experience, and stepping forward ready for the next season.
