Team Titmus proves the power of preparation with Olympic heroics: Matthew Pavlich

This article initially appeared on wwos.nine.com.au

Gameday can often be a blur.

What actually happened on the field today? This was a question I would often ask myself at the end of a game.

You always had a gut feel for your own effort and that of your teammates, but it wasn't until our post-match review with the team and coaching staff that we would truly know what unfolded; how we performed and how I could do better.

Reflecting on the recent gold medal wins by Ariarne Titmas at the Tokyo Olympics and the reaction by her coach, Dean Boxall, my emotions around this success story and their close partnership started running high.

I began thinking about what it takes to get you to the elite level of an Olympian. The hours of training, the people who support you and guide you, the sacrifices made.

In fact, the truth is, 99 per cent of the work happens away from the spotlight, before game day or the big moment of performance. What the audience sees - the final output - is the tip of the iceberg, the one percent.

This equation can similarly be compared to someone delivering a presentation; all of the work and prep is done in the hours and days prior - then it just happens. Given my study at university, I liken gameday to getting ready to sit a big exam.

As the great Muhammed Ali once said, "The fight is won or lost far away from the witnesses, behind the lines, in the gym, and out there on the road; long before I dance under those lights."

Something else happens. When you perform on the big stage or execute that one per cent, you go into autopilot. The zone. Or as performance psychologists call it - flow.

It's a strange experience and is why I often couldn't remember the details of game day or my performance. My mind and body simply did what I had trained and prepared for, with the input from many, many others.

Titmas brought this experience to life by saying, "We didn't discuss what I wanted to do in the pool. It was more of a 'have fun' moment. We practised this for so long. I just knew what I had to do when I got out there."

That is a powerful thing to be able to do, both as a coach and athlete.

Titmus and her family moved to Queensland in 2015 to further her swimming career. It was there she connected with Boxall, who she claims was up at 4am every morning to prepare and build the success story that we have all witnessed this week.

Some people are bemused by Titmus' reaction. But the truth is, this is the ultimate achievement and the man who says he "bleeds" for his swimmers didn't care.

This notion was reinforced by Boxall explaining that, "When the athletes leave the pool deck, they begin the recovery process and they switch off. I go home and try to find a way for them to get better. I don't turn it off."

Not everyone can have the experience of a coach, team, mentor or similar by their side to give them direction and help to make a strong and winning plan.

But being prepared for any important moment in your life - especially one of high pressure - is never to be underestimated.