Being physically and emotionally ready for big competitions can be a challenge. Mentally you can train yourself to perform under pressure in drills, throwing practices or actual competition. Physically, periodization is crucial when needing to peak at the right time of your season. Being a week out of the USA National Championships my timing couldn't be better. I have been able to keep my strength levels up and my injuries to a minimum while fine tuning the technical aspects of the javelin necessary for long throws late into the season. Key focal points over the last 3 weeks have included: maintaining/gaining throwing power, increasing speed and quickness drills through sprints and lighter ball throws, overall health maintenance through active recovery (yoga, swimming). I believe these are essential ingredients athletes need to have in order to perform at the elite level.