TED Talks Daily The pressure that makes Olympians perform worse | Dominique Condo
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Feb 12, 2026 
Dominique Kondo, a sports nutritionist and performance scientist focused on female athlete health, tackles how appearance pressures creep into elite sport. She discusses why looks can overshadow ability, how coach language and policies shape wellbeing, and practical shifts to protect performance and confidence.
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High-Level Athletes Still Struggle With Body Image
- Up to 70% of elite female athletes report body image concerns even at the highest levels of sport.
- Appearance pressure often conflicts directly with the body adaptations athletes need for performance.
Stars Choosing Wellbeing And Agency
- Simone Biles publicly prioritised wellbeing, showing mental health supports performance foundations.
- Ash Barty left tennis to define success on her own terms, highlighting agency in athletic careers.
Language Shapes Athlete Outcomes
- Language is a powerful performance tool that can fuel or fracture an athlete's confidence and behaviour.
- Subtle word choices affect motivation and risk of disordered eating.