Coaches have often wondered if their swimmers behave in the most appropriate fashion to improve optimally. The characteristics that are universal across sporting champions and world-record holders, irrespective of nationality, sport, or gender, have been described. There were a surprising number of features that are common to at least 75% of the tested champions. It is now possible to assess athletes and let them determine the level of adequacy of their behaviors and attitudes toward swimming. The Champion Characteristics Checklist (Rushall, 1987) is reproduced below for use by Carlile Organization coaches to have their swimmers evaluate themselves on these critical factors. It is contended that an athlete cannot achieve his/her highest potential unless the vast majority of these features are evident. Young swimmers will score low because they have not had a chance to fully develop all the features that contribute to being a world champion. Any missing features should be improved and/or developed. A score of more than 80 would be a desirable initial target for young swimmers to eventually achieve. The checklist presented is part of the SPORT PSYCHOLOGY CONSULTATION SYSTEM.
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