Counseling helped Herrera achieve success in London

Rene Herrera crosses the finish line after completing a half marathon. Before competing in the 5,000 meter run Herrera ran regularly in road races.

By the way cheers reverberated in the sold-out Olympic Stadium in London as the diminutive Rene Herrera sprinted to the finish line alone you’d think he was the winner. Far from it Herrera was actually lapped and left behind by his fellow runners as he finished one minute 19 seconds behind the winner of the 5,000 meter heat.

But give it to Herrera who did not flinch even when the other runners left him in their wake. He eventually finished with the crowd cheering him on as he improved on his best time.

Herrera benefited from counseling by noted Sports Psychologist Dr. Rey Canlas a volunteer service provider at the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC). A Certified Counseling Psychologist and a Registered Guidance Counselor Canlas was the Philippine Team Psychologist during the 26th SEA Games at Indonesia. He helped Philippine athletes prepare mentally for the Olympic Games in order to maximize their potential.

“Rene (Herrera) attended an intake interview at the Rizal Memorial Sports Center in preparation for the London Olympic Games. The purpose of the intake interview was a quick assessment of the mental strengths and weaknesses of the athletes,” said Dr. Canlas.

“We compared his personal best with his would-be competitors at the Olympics. We realized that it would be unrealistic to aspire for a medal because his personal best is way way off the world and Olympic standards. So we decided to define what would be a successful performance. Rene asserts that beating his personal best would already be a success.”

As a psychologist Canlas affirmed Herrera’s goal. Sport Psychology emphasizes that success is measured based on achieving realistic and attainable goals.

“Rene was clear on what he would like to achieve. A multi-medal winner in the SEA Games, Rene is aware of the level of competition he would face in the Olympics. He was determined and focused on his goals. He showed ease, calm, and sense of humor – qualities that would help him cope with the pressure of the Olympics. In the Olympics, it’s not all physical but also mental,” said Dr. Canlas.

Herrera did surpass his personal best in the event. He did not allow himself to get distracted even when the eventual qualifiers ran past and lapped him. He continued with his pace and eventually finished the race.

“The 80,000 plus crowd at the Olympic stadium were cheering for him. He gave thanks to the Lord after crossing the finish line and was congratulated by his idol – the British runner Farah Mohamed. Rene is a true Olympian. He exemplifies the Olympic Spirit that winning or losing is not the important thing,” said Dr. Canlas.

“What is important is that you give your very best. Rene showed that the Filipino is truly resilient under adverse conditions. We will not back down. We will keep on fighting. And Rene showed the world that we Filipinos never give up.”

Competing in the Olympics is a singular honor won and earned by only the best athletes in the world. Thanks to Sports Psychology Herrera was able to maximize his opportunity. Even though he finished last in his event he won the hearts of an admiring world through his feat of perseverance and fortitude.

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