Dr. Russo - In the News
The debate about the difficulty of the marathon, much as the running, swimming and cycling components of the associated triathlon, doesn't center just on the physical aspects. "Motivation, confidence and mental toughness are necessary," says Stephen Russo, director of sports psychology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Health System, co-sponsor of the Pittsburgh Marathon.
Given the expectations and popularity associated with professional and top amateur sports today, addressing the psychology of competition is becoming essential for athletes searching for a competitive advantage.
National and International Media
Presentations and Public Appearances
2nd World Conference on Junior Golf in Copenhagen, Denmark - September 2006
..."People have complimented me," she said. On top of that list is Dr. Stephen Russo, a clinical and sports psychologist who worked with Uribe while she attended the International Junior Golf Academy in Hilton Head, S.C., for several months earlier this year. Once a week, Russo met with Uribe in group-training sessions to discuss positive attitude, focus and self-motivation
Steve Russo se unió al equipo de expertos en la segunda clínica de golf en Hato Grande. "En Colombia se vive y se juega un golf de primera categoría": Gary Gilchrist
Con el ánimo renovado y un firme compromiso con el golf colombiano, los expertos Gary Gilchrist y Steve Russo se despidieron de los aficionados colombianos al terminar la tercera y última clínica programada en el III Campeonato Nacional Prejuvenil y Juvenil 'Copa Arturo Calle.
In a sports-mad region famous for Hall of Fame quarterbacks, pro teams with state-of-the-art athletics facilities and nationally ranked college teams, a new development to the sports scene has emerged: the role of the sport psychologist, who helps athletes cope with the stress and pressure of competition.
Hunter Wood makes his Living as a Golf Pro. He gives lessons, organizes events, buys equipment and once a week competes with the other pros in his PGA region. But even a pro can improve! Wood teamed up with Sport Psychologist, Stephen Russo to learn how to combine his physical talent and technique with a SRONGER MENTAL GAME.
Athletes have played mind games with themselves for years. Quantifying the benefits of convincing themselves the media and opposing teams are out to steal their publicity is another matter. "At high levels of performance you need both (ability and motivation)," said Dr. Stephen Russo, director of the sports psychology program at the UPMC Center for Sports Medicine. "I wish I could break it down." "To play with purpose, to have goals for yourself, motivation is a key part of all of that," Russo said.
It was that noted that sports philosopher Yogi Berra who probably said it best. But since he was Yogi, he may have also said it worst.
"That's the great debate," says Stephen Russo, director of Sports Psychology at UPMC Sports Medicine, based on Pittsburgh's South Side. "How much is fun important and how much is winning important?" Russo says despite the stress that competitive athletics can bring out in some, research indicates the vast majority of children who participate in organized competitive athletics enjoy it. "I'm sure that if you talked to 100 parents, there'd be some that had some concerns," Russo says.
"A lot of them are already using some of the sports psychology techniques that I talk about," Russo said. "We can then develop a game plan for them about the combine. Things that they have to go through -- interviews, physicians, physical activities -- are all performance situations. We can talk about setting goals, staying focused."
PITTSBURGH
Whether you're thinking about running the Pittsburgh Marathon for the first time or you've run several marathons, you can appreciate the physical discipline and dedication required to run 26.2 miles. Running a marathon presents unique challenges. But without proper training, it can lead to serious injury or frustration.
A year ago, Gary Gilchrist, a former professional who taught rising stars Michelle Wie and Paula Creamer at the David Leadbetter Golf Academy, became the IJGA's golf director.Sports psychologist Stephen Russo helps the teens on mental issues such as blocking out distractions and making smart choices. "Some of you have been here two or three years," he tells about three dozen students, "and you've gotten tremendously better." All the tools to improve are on the island. The teaching staff includes former pros, including Hugh Royer III, who spent several years on the PGA Tour. Royer says if someplace like the academy existed when he was a teen, "I wouldn't be here, I would be a multimillionaire playing on tour."
But part of what makes the best athletes so great is their mental aptitude as well as physical abilities, and for individuals such as Jordan and Lemieux, that aspect should only improve with maturity rather than decline. "As the body starts to age, the demands on the mind become greater, and you have to be smarter, including smarter in the way you take care of yourself and try to recover from injury," said Stephen Russo, director of the sports psychology program of the UPMC sports medicine center.
La golfista bogotana empezó poniendo condiciones en el Campeonato Nacional. Prejuvenil y Juvenil, en el Club Hato Grande, de la capital colombiana. En masculino, Juan Pablo Candela es segundo. Los participantes están bajo la mirada de los reclutadores de las universidades estadounidenses, invitados por la rectora nacional en conjunto con College Prospects of América. La mañana del viernes estaba reservada para la competencia mientras que la tarde estaba reservada para participar en la clínica que dictaba el instructor surafricano Gary Gilchrist, en el campo de práctica y luego a la clínica sobre Eficiencia Mental, a cargo de Steve Russo.
Authors: A KONTOS; M COLLINS; STEPHEN RUSSO
Source: Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, September 2004, vol. 16, no. 3, pp. 220-235(16)
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Ltd
The International Junior Golf Academy, located in Hilton Head, SC, has designed their programs to help junior golfers become as proficient as they can be. Their PGA Class A coaches will work with players to develop sound swing fundamentals, an effective short game, and the ability to manage their game on the golf course. All of their instruction has one goal - the achievement of lower scores. Students will learn to score with their short game, to manage the course through distance control, and to shorten par fives by increasing their power.Sport psychology and fitness training are an integral part of the golf program. All students work with Dr. Steve Russo, a leading sport psychologist, on a regular basis in their golf group..
Health and Fitness Zone with Dr. Stephen A. Russo, PhD, Sport Psychology
Segment 1 - Beyond the "Skin" Surface
Dr. Stephen Russo will help to provide some perspective on body image and self-esteem.
Building the Mind of a Champion
