Review
"A book aimed at helping skaters prepare psychologically for training and competition has been written by Choeleen Loundagin, a former competitive figure skater with a Master Degree in Sport Psychology. Entitled The Inner Champion, the book is clearly written, easy to understand, and organized in a fill-in-the-blank workbook fashion designed to help the skater work through and keep track of his or her goals and progress." --
Skater's Edge, September/October 1997."Fantastic book! The practical information and worksheets written in the language of figure skaters makes it especially appealing. I highly recommend it to the entire skating community." --
Testimonial of Kathy Casey; National, International, World, & Olympic coach, Past PSA President."In The Inner Champion: A Mental Toughness Training Manual for Figure Skaters, Choeleen has taken the principles of Sport Psychology and shown us how it applies specifically to figure skating. Her easy to understand format allows you to immediately incorporate the various mental skills into your daily training and performance. A 'must have' for skaters and coaches of all levels." --
Testimonial of Diane G. Miller, PSA Sports Medicine Committee Chairperson; PSA Master Rated Figure and Freestyle Coach."The Inner Champion encourages skaters to think and then write about various feelings in a typical workbook format.... The manual is written for all ages but some of the vocabulary seems to be appropriate for ages 11 and up (grade 5). A glossary defines more complex words and concepts. What I liked most about the manual is its organization. The table of contents and index are very detailed which makes for easy reference. ... In terms of information, the manual covers many topics in a simple, easy to understand way for skaters, parents, and coaches....The sections I found most useful and informative covered goal setting and attention focus control. I very highly recommend this manual as a mental learning tool." --
Tom Zakrajek, The Professional Skater Magazine, May/June, 1998."The Inner Champion is outstanding! It covers tools that helped me reach my potential, such as my ability to relax, control my focus, and effectively use imagery. This outstanding manual makes sense to skaters, the worksheets are easy to follow, and it covers everything needed to master the mental game. It is a long awaited resource for coaches and skaters. Skaters can use the tools on their own or with the help of their coach. Coaches can use it as a guide to mentally train their skaters as well as apply the tools to their own lives." --
Testimonial of Charlie Tickner; 4 time U.S. Champion, World Champion, and Olympic Bronze Medalist, Professional Performer, Coaching Consultant."[The Inner Champion] is an excellent basic introduction to aspects of mental training and mental training skills. I thought the text was very readable and understandable and organized in a good, progressive sequence. I also thought the idea of a glossary at the end to be very beneficial. I believe [the] worksheets add a unique aspect to the [book] and will prove to be helpful to skaters. I applaud [Choeleen Loundagin] for her excellent effort and valuable contribution to introducing mental skills to figure skaters." --
Testimonial of David Coppel, Ph.D., Sport Psychologist, U.S.F.S.A. Sports Medicine Committee member.
About the Author
Choeleen Loundagin, MA, owner of InnerChamp Consulting, is an Athletic Enhancement Consultant with extensive experience working with figure skaters. She has a Master Degree in Sport Psychology and a background in figure skating as a former competitor, triple gold medalist, professional performer, and coach. Choeleen is an active member of the United States Figure Skating Association, Professional Skater Association, and the Association for the Advancement of Applied Sport Psychology. She has developed mental toughness training programs and created seminars seminars for athletes, parents, and coaches from a variety or sports at the amateur, professional, recreational, national, and elite levels of participation.
