A training champion is defined as someone who repeatedly fails in competition despite good results during training. In contrast, the competitor type is defined by not only being able to transfer his or her achievements from training to competition but often surpass them and achieve even better results in competition. The purpose of this study is to explore whether a training champion repeatedly differs from a competitor type in terms of mood before and after competition. Two top level artistic roller skaters participated in this season long case study. Findings indicated that, compared to the training champion, the competitor type repeatedly exhibited more activation, more calmness and less anger before and after competition. It was also found that the activation increased from earlier to later events for both training champion and competitor type. The level of arousal was less after competition compared to before competition for both skaters. The results have implications for both preparation and participation in highlight sport competitions for skaters and perhaps other athletes. Preparation strategies worthy of investigation include mood regulation to enhance activation and calmness and to reduce anger.
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