The sport of wrestling is one of the most demanding sports in the world. It demands daily physical conditioning. One part of wrestling that is a key part in any wrestler’s success which is his or her’s mental toughness. Mental toughness is so pivotal and important in this brutal sport. The ability to cut 10 plus pounds takes some extreme discipline.  To be able to perform in the state finals with thousands of people watching as you scrap against someone who wants to win just as bad if not more, takes a very well trained mind. Every time I step out on the mat, I always think I’m going to win no matter what no matter who the person is and regardless of what they accomplished. At the highest level, anyone can be beat but the athlete must believe he can beat anyone who steps on the line against him. I tend to not think about who the person is or what his record or accomplishments are. In grand scheme of things, the guy puts on his pants in the morning, eats breakfast and goes to school just like I do so why can’t he be defeated? Being strong mentally takes a little bit longer to develop than physical strength. If you go out on that mat doubting yourself, then you already lost the battle and maybe the rest of the war. People can surprise themselves when they believe they can accomplish anything. To become a champion, you must first think you can become a champion.