Pep Talk Helped Jessica Ashwood Win World Championship Medal (SW Radio)

Photo Courtesy: Swimming Australia

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It took an intervention by a sports psychologist last week for Australia’s Jessica Ashwood to finally believe that she was worthy of competing with the best swimmers at the FINA world championships. The result was a bronze medal and Australian record in the 400 freestyle.

Ashwood had originally approached the 400 freestyle in Russia as a warm-up swim before the 800 and 1500 freestyles, thinking a medal was a very unlikely possibility. Georgia Ridler sat down with Ashwood during the team’s pre-meet training camp and helped her gain the mental confidence to race the likes of Katie Ledecky in the final.

“I had a lot of confidence, but I had trouble thinking that I deserved to get a medal,” Ashwood said. “She helped me through that.”

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That pep talk was the key in helping her put up a strong prelim swim to get her into the final. Racing in the lane next to Ledecky was not terrifying for Ashwood, but rather uplifting once she was able to tell herself that she belonged in the final eight.

“I’ve never really swam next to (Ledecky) and taken her as proper competition before,” Ashwood said. “It’s good to be able to get out there and see myself with the other girls.”

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