Can compassion build champions? | Leah Ferguson | TEDxUniversityofSaskatchewan

Описание: It’s no surprise that sport glorifies toughness. We’ve all heard the phrases “Suck it up. No pain, no gain.” What if the real competitive edge isn’t about pushing harder, but being kinder with ourselves when things get tough? After nearly two decades of working with athletes, Dr. Leah Ferguson has learned that self-compassion — not harsh criticism — is what helps athletes thrive. In a culture that tells us “don’t be soft,” athletes often become their own harshest critics. Yet, self-compassion isn’t soft; it’s strategic. It helps athletes bounce back from failure, focus under pressure and strive for excellence without sacrificing well-being. Dr. Ferguson’s talk draws from her lived experience as a young dancer, expertise as a leading scholar in self-compassion in sport research, and applied work with athletes to reimagine a sport system where compassion and competition coexist. Dr. Leah Ferguson (PhD) is a professor in the College of Kinesiology at the University of Saskatchewan. Her research, teaching and applied work focus on sport psychology and Indigenous Peoples’ wellness, where she collaboratively works with athletes, youth, girls and women to enhance sport experiences and wholistic wellness outcomes. She is particularly interested in the role of self-compassion as a resource for athletes to overcome challenges and setbacks to flourish in sport and life. Leah is also a Certified Mental Performance Consultant®, where she translates her research into practice with athletes, teams, coaches and sport groups to foster athlete well-being and performance. As a Métis woman, she brings a relational, inclusive lens to her research and consulting, helping athletes thrive under pressure while staying connected to their well-being. In 2025, Leah was awarded a King Charles III Coronation Medal for advancing knowledge in the sport and physical activity sectors. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx