The Mental Game of Ski Racing

INSIGHTS FROM SYNC INDEPENDENT ATHLETE, STEF FLECKENSTEIN

Ski racing is as much a mental game as it is a physical one, and navigating mental hurdles is essential for success. Stefanie (Stef) Fleckenstein, a SYNC Independent Athlete, has faced some of the toughest challenges in the sport—most notably an intense crash during a World Cup Downhill in Val d'Isere, France, which required multiple surgeries on her leg and knee. Despite the physical and mental toll, Stef remains determined to return to the World Cup circuit, and her approach to mental resilience offers valuable lessons for any athlete.

Overcoming Mental Blocks and Obstacles

For Stef, one of the biggest mental hurdles in ski racing is learning to separate results from success. "It’s easy to get wrapped up in results because they’re tangible, but true success is about the work you put in," Stef says. This mindset shift, focusing on the process rather than just the outcome, has been crucial in overcoming mental blocks, especially during setbacks like her injury.

She also emphasizes the importance of recalibrating when things go wrong. If she’s stuck in a training session making the same mistake repeatedly, she consciously shifts her focus to avoid overthinking. "I make sure to have times when I’m dialed in and times when I can just enjoy skiing for fun," she shares. This balance helps keep her mental game strong, even when things don’t go as planned.

Mental Challenges in Injury Recovery

Recovering from a major injury presents unique mental hurdles. Stef describes how recovery often feels like a rollercoaster—days of progress followed by weeks of setbacks. "You see quick progress at first, but as you get closer to your sport, it feels like progress happens every few weeks instead of every day," she explains. To combat this, Stef keeps a "Little Victories" journal, where she writes down even the smallest achievements, such as walking without crutches or hitting a gym milestone. These reminders help her stay motivated when the journey feels slow.

Staying Motivated During Burnout

Staying motivated in the long winter months can be tough. Stef recommends listening to your body and finding ways to mix things up. "I lean into things my body enjoys. Like recovery walks with friends instead of just spinning on a bike for hours," she says. By focusing on activities that are less structured but still contribute to overall recovery, she prevents burnout and keeps her mental health in check.

Support Systems and Celebrating Wins

Having a strong support system has been key to Stef's recovery and motivation. "My coaches and teammates understand what makes me happy and how I work best, so they help create an environment where I can thrive.” This understanding allows for a balance between hard work and moments of relaxation, which are crucial for maintaining mental well-being.

Stef also celebrates small wins through her journal and videos. Whether it’s completing a new exercise in the gym or reaching a personal milestone in her recovery, she makes sure to acknowledge her progress. "Even small victories, like going to the bathroom by myself after my injury, are worth celebrating," she says.

Advice for Younger Athletes

For younger athletes, Stef’s advice is clear: "You can push yourself further than you think, and don’t take setbacks personally. You are not defined by your performance on any given day." She stresses the importance of separating your identity from your sport. "Your worth is not tied to your results. Understanding this can help you stay positive and stay focused on improving."

Stef’s journey demonstrates that mental resilience is just as crucial as physical strength in ski racing. Whether it’s overcoming injury, handling burnout, or staying focused on the process rather than the outcome, mastering the mental game can make all the difference. And for athletes like Stef, it’s not just about getting back on the hill—it’s about learning and growing through every challenge.

Learn more about Stef's recovery and independent ski racing journey in SYNC's film, Rogue Lines. Stream below.

ROGUE LINES

The INDEPENDENT SKI RACING JOURNEY

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