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The Choke

Matthew Syed explores the neurological and psychological trajectory of a choke, the loss of the ability to do what comes naturally when a person is under pressure.

The journalist, author and Olympian Matthew Syed blew it big time at the Sydney 2000. A GB medal prospect in table tennis he was thrashed by an opponent he had beaten many times before- he choked. He's been keen to understand ever since why sometimes the brain robs an individual of the ability to do routine tasks - in his case to hit a ping pong ball on the table.

You don't have to be a world class sportsman to choke think of that job interview you fluffed or that wildly attractive person at a party that left you unable to do what you do everyday- speak coherently.

In The Choke Matthew will explore the neurological and psychological trajectory of a choke illustrated with some dramatic examples where the pressure told at the worst possible time- musicians, politicians, businessmen, actors and sportsmen all feature in this examination of when we fail to do what comes naturally to us.

Available now

58 minutes

Last on

Fri 19 Feb 2016 21:00

Broadcasts

  • Sat 16 May 2015 20:00
  • Fri 19 Feb 2016 21:00