Which definition best describes anxiety in sport?

• A. Feeling nervous or worried before or during competition.
• B. A physiological condition triggered by overtraining.
• C. The absence of motivation to train.
• D. A myth about performance-enhancing drugs.

Answer: (A)

Anxiety in sport is the emotional state athletes experience before or during competition, often showing up as nervousness or worry about performance or evaluation. This description fits best because it captures the subjective feeling athletes report in those moments. The other options refer to different issues: a physiological condition from overtraining, a lack of motivation to train, or a myth about performance-enhancing drugs, none of which describe the emotional state of anxiety. Understanding this helps players recognize that nerves are a normal part of competition and can be managed with routines, breathing, and positive self-talk to keep nerves from hindering performance.