Practice English Reading Exercises for B2 – Elite Athletics & The Olympic Spirit 4

Exercises:   123456

Reading 1

You are going to read an article about four athletes discussing the crucial role of sports psychology and visualization techniques in overcoming pre-competition anxiety.

For questions 1-10, choose from the people/sections (A-D). The people/sections may be chosen more than once.

Which person/section

1   mentions mentally rehearsing how to deal with potential disasters?

2   admits to previously looking down on the use of mental training?

3   relies on a tangible item to help them enter a relaxed mindset?

4   wishes they had engaged with mental coaching at a younger age?

5   struggled with the pressure caused by people watching them?

6   focuses on sensory details to make their mental rehearsals more realistic?

7  came to the conclusion that bodily fitness is not enough to win?

8   employs a method to quickly halt an escalating chain of self-doubt?

9   points out that feeling anxious can actually enhance performance?

10   describes how their body reacted negatively to extreme pressure?

Mind Over Muscle: How Athletes Conquer Pre-Competition Nerves

A Leo – Swimmer

As a competitive swimmer, I’ve always put in the necessary hours in the pool, but the mental game used to completely destroy me. The moment I stepped out in front of a packed stadium, the heavy weight of the spectators’ expectations would hit me like a ton of bricks. My heart would pound, my muscles would tense up, and I would actually feel physically sick, which naturally ruined my stroke. Working with a sports psychologist changed everything. Instead of just picturing the perfect race, she taught me to anticipate worst-case scenarios—like my goggles filling with water or slipping on the starting block—and plan exactly how I’d overcome them. Now, if something goes wrong, I rarely panic because I’ve already solved the problem in my head. While some athletes claim that nerves keep them sharp, uncontrolled anxiety was a nightmare for me. I still get butterflies, but I’ve finally come to terms with them.

B Maya – Gymnast

For years, I took it for granted that winning was purely about physical repetition. Whenever my coach suggested seeing a sports therapist, I completely brushed the idea aside, thinking it was just a trendy waste of time for weak-minded competitors. However, after repeatedly messing up my beam routine during major finals, I finally gave in. My therapist introduced me to sensory visualization. I don’t just picture the routine anymore; I imagine the smell of the chalk, the harsh glare of the spotlights, and the squeak of the equipment. Making it that vivid means that when I actually compete, my brain feels like it’s already been there. Furthermore, I’ve learned to reframe my anxiety. Rather than trying to eliminate fear entirely, I now accept that a healthy dose of adrenaline is absolutely crucial for giving me that explosive power during my jumps. It’s all about harnessing the nervous energy instead of fighting it.

C Tom – Tennis Player

Tennis is an incredibly isolating sport, and if you let your mind wander, a match can slip away in minutes. I used to train relentlessly, spending up to eight hours a day on the court. However, after losing a string of crucial tie-breaks, it dawned on me that having the best stamina and technique in the world is virtually useless if you crumble under pressure. That was a massive wake-up call. I began working with a mental conditioning coach who helped me develop a solid pre-serve routine. Whenever I feel the tension rising, I bounce the ball exactly four times and briefly touch the strings of my racket. Focusing on that familiar physical texture acts as an anchor, instantly bringing me back to the present moment and clearing my mind of distractions. It sounds remarkably simple, but this grounded approach prevents me from getting overwhelmed by the scoreline or the audience’s reactions.

D Chloe – Sprinter

Sprinting is brutal because a race is over in ten seconds; there is absolutely no margin for error. In the past, if I had a slow start, my mind would instantly flood with negativity. One bad thought would inevitably lead to another, until I had mentally lost the race before even crossing the finish line. My sports psychologist taught me a technique called ‘thought stopping’. The moment I recognise a pessimistic idea forming, I literally picture a bright red stop sign in my head and replace the thought with a positive cue word. It has been a complete game-changer. Looking back, I really kick myself for not taking mental coaching seriously when I first started competing as a teenager. If I had acquired these coping mechanisms earlier, I could have avoided so much unnecessary heartache. Now, I dedicate just as much time to visualising my success as I do to weightlifting.

Reading 2

You are going to read an article about four teenagers reviewing the inspiring true stories of Paralympic athletes who overcame severe physical disabilities to win gold.

For questions 1-10, choose from the people/sections (A-D). The people/sections may be chosen more than once.

Which person/section

1   feels ashamed of their previous attitude towards minor personal difficulties?

2   highlights the vital role played by those who assist the athletes behind the scenes?

3   was initially unwilling to learn about the subject matter?

4   points out that the competitors reject being the object of people’s pity?

5   mentions a competitor who had to adapt to a sudden physical change during childhood?

6   is inspired to tackle a personal ambition that has nothing to do with physical exercise?

7   believes that mental toughness is even more crucial than physical ability?

8   comments on the financial barriers that some of these competitors have to overcome?

9   suggests that society’s general perception of these competitors is fundamentally flawed?

10   was amazed by the cutting-edge devices that enable the competitors to perform?

Beyond the Finish Line: Teens React to Paralympic Legends

A Toby

When my teacher first suggested we read these biographies of Paralympic champions, I took it for granted that the focus would be entirely on their physical training. However, what truly blew me away was their sheer psychological resilience. While their physical achievements are undoubtedly impressive, it’s their unwavering determination that ultimately guarantees them a gold medal. Reading about a swimmer who lost his sight but refused to give up completely shifted my perspective. To be brutally honest, it made me feel incredibly guilty for constantly moaning about trivial things, like a heavy homework load or a slow internet connection. It was a massive wake-up call. I used to think I needed the best running shoes to perform well on the track, but these stories prove that the most powerful tool you have is your mind. I’ve now come to terms with the fact that my excuses were just holding me back.

B Mia

I’ve always been fascinated by engineering, so I was immediately drawn to the technical aspects of these Paralympic journeys. It is absolutely astonishing to see the highly sophisticated prosthetics and aerodynamic wheelchairs that these gold medallists use. The level of innovation is mind-boggling! However, I hadn’t quite realised just how astronomically expensive this specialised gear can be, and it’s sobering to think about the intense struggle many athletes face simply to fund their participation. Furthermore, these stories shed light on the unsung heroes. We usually only see the individual standing on the podium, but there is an entire army of dedicated coaches, physiotherapists, and technicians working tirelessly in the background. Without their unwavering commitment, achieving such sporting perfection would be virtually impossible. One runner mentioned a car crash that changed her life in her twenties, but she always credits her support network for helping her bounce back and cross the finish line.

C Sam

If I’m completely honest, when my friend lent me a book detailing the lives of Paralympic medallists, I wasn’t in the least bit interested. I’m not exactly a sports fan, and I assumed it would be a rather heavy, depressing read. Thankfully, I couldn’t have been more wrong. Once I started the first chapter, I was absolutely hooked. The most compelling account was of a gymnast who had to completely relearn how to walk following a horrific climbing accident when she was just ten years old. The sheer grit she demonstrated while adjusting to her new reality as a kid was incredibly moving. Initially, I felt a deep sense of sympathy for what she had lost, but that quickly transformed into profound admiration for what she had gained. Even though I have zero athletic ability myself, watching her overcome such overwhelming odds has definitely made me want to push my own boundaries.

D Chloe

What struck me most about these Paralympic narratives is how fiercely the athletes challenge our preconceived notions. There’s a widespread assumption that individuals with severe disabilities are somehow fragile or need our protection. These competitors actively tear down that stereotype, making it abundantly clear that they despise being looked down upon with sorrow or compassion. They don’t want us to feel sorry for them; they demand to be respected purely as elite, fierce competitors who have earned their gold medals through blood, sweat, and tears. As someone who has always struggled with self-confidence, their unapologetic pride is wildly infectious. While I have absolutely no intention of ever setting foot on a running track, their incredible journeys have given me the courage to finally apply for a highly competitive art college. If they can conquer such immense hurdles on the global stage, I can certainly face my own creative fears.

Exercises:   123456