The Negative Impact Of Criticism Towards Athletes

Commentary by Cornell Beasley. Photos from Twitter and IMDB quote from CNBC.com 

October 26, 2021. In today's sports environment, all great athletes are getting criticized for the way they play and think. They are forced to meet unrealistic expectations. Giannis, Lebron, D.K Metcalf, Patrick Mahomes, Selena Williams, and Naomi Osaka excel at their game and are stressed because of these expectations.  I believe that they are forced to meet unrealistic expectations and negative criticism which affects the athletes' performances.

Osaka pulled out of the Olympic tournament because of anxiety and stress from the criticism. “Anyone that knows me knows I’m introverted, and anyone who has seen me at the tournaments will notice that I’m often wearing headphones as that helps dull my social anxiety. I am not a natural public speaker and get huge waves of anxiety before I speak to the world’s media,” states Osaka.

According to peaksport.com negative critiques throw athletes off their game, causing them to turn on their teammates and make mistakes.

The critics always talk about how athletes will perform badly, are not ready for a career or need to quit before they even enter a game. I believe these are the reasons why people should give athletes a chance to play so critics can see their skills before they comment on the fact that they are bad, good, or great.

Cornell Beasley is a junior at Friendship Collegiate Academy.