News Service

8-14-08

Iowa State University sports psychologist available to media

AMES, Iowa -- Marty Martinez, an Iowa State University sports psychologist who helped Olympic gold medal-winner Cael Sanderson become mentally prepared for competition at the highest level, is available to talk to media about mental issues facing athletes in Beijing, China.

Martinez is a member of the professional Association for the Advancement of Applied Sport Psychology and was part of the United States team that traveled to Athens, Greece, for the World Track and Field Championships in 2006.

There are many topics Martinez could discuss, including:

1. How the U.S. volleyball team is dealing with the death of one of its 'family.'
2. How the U.S. women gymnasts are dealing with competing against the 'home team' on its own turf and meeting high expectations.
3. How favorites such as Michael Phelps get prepared for every event without getting complacent.
4. The self-imposed and external stresses of the Olympic games and how they manifest themselves physically and emotionally.

Martinez can also speak on any sport or sport-related situation facing Olympic athletes.

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Quick look

Marty Martinez, ISU sports psychologist, is available to talk to media about mental issues facing athletes in Beijing, China.