Big sporting events are certainly exciting for both athletes and spectators, but things like the Commonwealth Games - now just weeks away in Glasgow - will undoubtedly prove nerve-wracking for competitors under huge pressure to win, particularly with small margins making such a huge difference.

That's why many are now seeking the services of sports psychologists in order to overcome their apprehension and put in the best possible performance on race day.

Olympic swimmer Jack Scott is one of them and he told BBC Scotland's Lisa Summers he meets regularly with Sportscotland Institute of Sport's Misha Botting, a member of the British Psychological Society, to get over his concerns about "disappointing people".

Botting explained that athletes sometimes need help to move from thinking to feeling.

"Technological preparation is fundamentally important, however without the clear mind, the calm and the focused mindset for the race, all these elements potentially can fall apart," he added.

For example, Scott is encouraged to listen to music in the changing room and not think about the race until the last minute.

Sports psychologists have become increasingly prominent over the past few years, with Victoria Pendleton, Liverpool Football Club and the England World Cup squad all using their techniques to improve their performance.

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